SeaRates Freight Updates: China Market, October 2023

SeaRates provides you with innovative logistics capabilities to assist you in searching, comparing, and requesting the best freight rates for any cargo shipping route. We are delighted to present to you the Freight Rates Report for the Chinese market, presented by YQNLink, a Digital Freight Alliance member from China, to review freight rates on international lines.

The following is an overview of freight rates for shipments from China to different destinations around the world, the market by major routes, and the space and equipment required for them.


Overview of freight rates from China to different regions


Shipping from China to most regions is now characterized by stable demand and no supply chain problems. The statistical data illustrates the growth of freight rates in most cases. Check out the insights below for detailed information by region:


North America: The freight rates from China ports to western USA ports decreased by 3.4% from last month. At the same time, ocean rates to eastern USA ports fell by 5.4%, respectively, from the previous month. The space and equipment availability are normal.


Freight rates overview

China - North America


Source: YQNLink

We would like to inform you that we expect freight rates to increase on the China-North America trade route soon. We recommend our customers plan their shipments accordingly and consider booking in advance to guarantee sufficient space and avoid possible delays.


The following are examples of the most cost-effective rates for the transportation of 20-foot FCL containers from China to North America.


Shanghai - Prince Rupert
From $900
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Shanghai - Savannah
From $1500
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Qingdao - New York
From $2000
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Yantian - Long Beach
From $1400
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Yantian - Baltimore
From $1700
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Shanghai - Vancouver
From $1100
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*Actual rates are valid until October 31, 2023.


South America: Shipping demand for the South American market is not highly performed. The rates for South America's base ports have decreased by 2.1% compared to last month. The space and equipment were sufficient and normal.


Freight rates overview

China - South America


Source: YQNLink

We would like to inform you that we expect freight rates to increase on the China-South America trade route soon. We recommend our customers plan their shipments accordingly and consider booking in advance to guarantee sufficient space and avoid possible delays.


The following are examples of the most cost-effective rates for the transportation of 20-foot FCL containers from China to South America.

Yantian - Guayaquil
From $1300
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Qingdao - Santos
From $1000
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Yantian - Cartagena
From $2600
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Shanghai - Callao
From $1300
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Shanghai - Buenos Aires
From $1200
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Shekou - Manzanillo
From $1700
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*Actual rates are valid until October 31, 2023.


Europe: Demand for cargo shipping is showing an unstable trend this month. The freight rates for transportation from Chinese ports to European base ports have decreased by 3.9% compared to last month. In addition, the freight rate from China to MED base ports also decreased by 4.2% from last month. The space and equipment were sufficient and normal.


Freight rates overview

China - Europe


Source: YQNLink

We would like to inform you that we expect freight rates to increase on the China-Europe trade route soon. We recommend our customers plan their shipments accordingly and consider booking in advance to guarantee sufficient space and avoid possible delays.


The following are examples of the most cost-effective rates for the transportation of 20-foot FCL containers from China to Europe.

Shanghai - Bremerhaven
From $400
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Shanghai - Antwerpen
From $400
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Shanghai - Mersin
From $1200
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Shanghai - Napoli
From $1200
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Qingdao - Rotterdam
From $450
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Qingdao - Montoir De Bretagne
From $700
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*Actual rates are valid until October 31, 2023.


Africa: Freight rates for African ports keep increasing compared to last month. Also, space and equipment were sufficient and normal.


Freight rates overview

China - Africa


Source: YQNLink


The following are examples of the most cost-effective rates for the transportation of 20-foot FCL containers from China to Africa.


Shanghai - Casablanca
From $2000
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Shekou - Beirut
From $1700
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Shanghai - Dakar
From $2000
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Shekou - Cape Town
From $1000
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Shanghai - Apapa
From $2000
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Qingdao - Djibouti
From $1700Check rates

*Actual rates are valid until October 31, 2023.


Middle East: Shipping demand shows a decreasing trend. Ocean rates from Chinese ports to the main Middle East ports, namely, Persian Gulf ports, decreased by 3.1% from the previous month. The space and equipment were sufficient and normal.


Freight rates overview

China - Middle East


Source: YQNLink


The following are examples of the most cost-effective rates for the transportation of 20-foot FCL containers from China to the Middle East.


Ningbo - Abu Dhabi
From $1000
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Shanghai - Dammam
From $700
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Shekou - Abu Dhabi
From $700
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Ningbo - Jebel Ali
From $600
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Shanghai - Sharjah
From $1100
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Lianyungang - Jebel Ali
From $800
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*Actual rates are valid until October 31, 2023.


Asia: The freight rates from China to Australia and New Zealand base ports decreased by 1.6% from last month. Additionally, ocean rates from China to Japan base ports increased slightly compared to last month. Demand in the Asian shipping market has decreased. However, the space and equipment availability are normal.


Freight rates overview

China - Asia


Source: YQNLink


The following are examples of the most cost-effective rates for the transportation of 20-foot FCL containers from China to Asia.


Shekou - Pusan
From $16
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Shanghai - Surabaya
From $200
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Shekou - Nhava Sheva
From $650
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Qingdao - Pipavav
From $850
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Ningbo - Laem Chabang
From $50
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Shanghai - Klang
From $56Check rates


*Actual rates are valid until October 31, 2023.


Cargo transportation from China is showing a downward trend in freight rates. While there is sufficient equipment and space to meet growing demand.

Different destinations are characterized by different trends in cargo charges, with freight rates increasing or decreasing. In certain regions, some shipping lines have welcomed the GRI trend and increased their rates for the following destinations:

  • Hapag-Lloyd has increased GRI for shipments from China to the South American market starting from October 16;

  • CMA raises FAK from China to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and North Africa starting November 1;
  • Effective August 15, MSC has implemented a GRI of $300 for 20-foot containers, $600 for 40-foot containers, and so on, from Chinese ports in the Far East to Australia and New Zealand.


On SeaRates.com, you can find and compare the cheapest rates for any route for your shipments. If you want to receive a personalized offer, send a request and our manager will contact you and provide an individual offer depending on your requirements.

Sophia Shkuro is a content manager from Dnipro, Ukraine. Believes that the more complex a thing is, the easier it should be to write about it. Dreams of a future vacation by the sea.