As a board game manufacturer, Eastar closely monitors shipping cost fluctuations, as they directly impact our production and delivery processes. We’ve recently updated our January 2025 shipping cost trends report, providing a detailed account of the current shipping cost changes. In this article, we present the latest data and trends to help you better understand the current market dynamics.
January 2025 Shipping Cost Trends:
Shipping Costs Decline
1. Asia-Europe Route: Shipping rates have significantly dropped, now at $800/TEU, about 30%-40% lower than the pandemic peak.
2. Trans-Pacific Route: Rates have returned to pre-pandemic levels, ranging from $1,400 to $1,600/FEU.
3. Other Major Routes: For example, the US-Europe route is stable at $1,200-$1,500/TEU, down compared to 2023.
Capacity Supply Changes
1. In 2024, global container shipping capacity is expected to increase by around 7%, which is likely to keep shipping costs low, especially on major routes between Asia and Europe and the US.
2. The delivery of new container ships has significantly increased, leading to an overall rise in global shipping capacity, keeping costs relatively stable through 2025.
Seasonal Fluctuations Impacting Prices
1. During peak seasons, especially before Christmas and New Year’s, shipping demand increases, leading to price hikes on some routes. Rates are expected to rise slightly in the spring and summer of 2025, particularly on routes from Asia to North America.
Port Congestion and Delivery Delays
1. Despite the decrease in shipping costs, some major ports (such as Shanghai and Los Angeles) continue to experience congestion, affecting delivery times. During peak periods, expected delivery times could be extended by 1-2 weeks.
Long-Term Forecast
1. Based on current data and market projections, shipping costs are expected to remain low in the first half of 2025, but short-term increases may occur in the second half due to seasonal demand and supply chain fluctuations. Overall, shipping costs will likely remain stable but could be influenced by international political and economic factors.
Read the full report for more details:
Transportation Cost and Time Information 2025 01 25.pdf
Share Your Thoughts!
How have shipping cost changes impacted your business? Eastar will continue to closely monitor market developments to ensure we provide reliable and stable logistics solutions for our clients.
At Eastar, we are committed to providing efficient production and shipping services by optimizing the supply chain and adapting to market changes, ensuring that our clients’ products reach their destinations on time. We will continue to work closely with our global logistics partners to tackle the challenges presented by global trade.
