Slow growth in shipments makes it difficult to keep up with the significant increase in capacity. After rising for a week, the Shanghai Shipping Exchange's Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) turned downward again in the first week of September. On September 5th, the latest SCFI quote dropped slightly by 0.04% to 1,444.44 points. Among them, the European line rates continued to decline, while the US line rates maintained a rebound trend. The rates for the Europe and Mediterranean routes continued to fall, with 20-foot container rates dropping by 11.21% and 8.11% respectively. However, the US line successfully pushed up freight rates through strategies such as reducing vessel capacity and cutting sailings. The 40-foot container rates for the US West and East Coasts rose by 13.83% and 7.22% respectively over the week.
  The 2025 Ningbo International Freight Fair attracted exhibitors from over 80 countries and regions, with overseas exhibitors accounting for more than 30%. After rising in early September, US line rates may face a downward adjustment next week. Due to weak demand and excess capacity, European line rates have continued to fall to between $1,700 and $1,800. The North American line has managed to stop the decline and rebound its rates through measures such as reducing capacity. The industry is closely watching the impact of shipment volumes and the intensity of vessel loading by shipping companies before the National Day Golden Week on freight rates. The volume of cargo on the European line has not yet been released, and the rate decline has been significant. The market is waiting for the seasonal effect to manifest.