South China Shipping Market Trend Analysis – Week 12

The shipping industry is constantly evolving, and staying on top of trends is essential for anyone involved in logistics. Here’s a breakdown of the key trends and insights from the South China shipping market for Week 12, 2025, focusing on the Middle East Red Sea and the Australia-New Zealand routes.

Middle East Red Sea Routes

The market for shipping to the Red Sea remains in a somewhat unpredictable state, with rates still at low levels, consistent with the previous week. However, there’s some speculation that a price increase could be on the horizon. Several shipping lines, including Ocean Asia (OA), are considering suspension plans for mid-March, which could lead to potential price hikes, though the extent of these increases is still uncertain.

The shipping situation is currently tight, with low-cost container spaces in high demand. It’s expected that some shipping lines might soon reach full capacity, which could further drive up prices. For those planning to ship in the near future, it’s advisable to secure bookings as soon as possible to lock in the best rates.

For direct shipping to the Red Sea, some lines are offering competitive rates, which has caused the space to fill up quickly. Shipping lines like COSCO and OOCL are still offering limited availability for direct routes as of March 12, so early booking is highly recommended. Once mid-March passes, the situation may change, and rates are expected to increase, potentially surpassing the $4,000 mark. Whether this increase will be permanent or short-lived remains to be seen, and the market’s overall performance will likely dictate future pricing trends.

Australia-New Zealand Routes

The Australia-New Zealand shipping routes have also experienced some turbulence this week. Due to empty sailings by carriers like YML and TSL, the schedules have become somewhat disordered. This has led to a tightening of overall shipping capacity and an increase in rates. However, this uptick in prices has not been fully supported by market demand, causing some fluctuation in the rates.

Initially, the shipping lines were using these empty sailings to raise prices. However, after a brief spike, rates have started to decline again. As of now, shipping costs for containers to Australia are averaging between $1,100 and $1,300 per 40HQ container. The shipping market for this route remains volatile, with rates fluctuating in response to supply and demand.

Key Takeaways

• Red Sea Route: Expect potential rate increases as shipping lines consider suspending services, but rates are still low for now. Bookings should be made quickly to secure space at current prices.
• Australia-New Zealand Route: Prices have seen a temporary increase due to disruptions in schedules, but they may stabilize or decrease depending on market demand.

Overall, the shipping market in South China remains dynamic, with fluctuations influenced by both operational disruptions and market sentiment. Staying agile and booking shipments early will be key to navigating these challenges and securing the best rates for your logistics needs.