Over the past week, container freight rates have edged slightly lower, with the Baltic container indices showing an overall decline of around 2.6% week on week.

This modest softening is also evident across the main east–west trade lanes, with China–US West Coast rates down 3.5% to $2,745, China–US East Coast easing 0.5% to $3,928, China–North Europe down 1.9% to $2,898, and China–Mediterranean seeing a larger 5.4% correction to $4,539. The breadth of the declines suggests some post-GRI consolidation rather than a sharp shift in market direction.

Despite this week’s pullback, rates remain clearly elevated compared with pre-Christmas levels, underpinned by ongoing schedule disruption, extended transit times and continued capacity discipline by carriers. Planned freight rate increases implemented earlier in the year appear to have helped establish a higher pricing floor, limiting downside pressure even as seasonal demand remains subdued. Looking ahead, near-term rate direction will likely depend on the durability of capacity management measures and whether demand shows signs of improvement as the first quarter progresses.