With 2025 well underway, the global ocean freight market continues to navigate significant challenges. NORTHLINE, your Pangea partner in Australia, and its General Manager of International Freight Management, Rob Baigent, provide insights into the external factors shaping the industry in the year ahead.
Over the past four years, the container shipping sector has experienced continuous disruptions, and this trend is expected to persist throughout 2025. Several key factors, including economic shifts, geopolitical tensions, and trade policy changes, will continue to influence freight rates, capacity, and service levels.
Key Market Influences:
During the Christmas and New Year period, shipping disruptions persisted, with rates remaining slightly higher than the previous year. Carriers strategically implemented blank sailings to regulate demand and stabilize rates. However, leading into the Chinese New Year, weaker booking volumes caused rates to return to pre-pandemic levels.
Baigent shared his outlook: “We expect demand to increase, and additional capacity to be slowly introduced on Oceania trade throughout February and March as China opens back up and applies an increased focus on this trade (in light of the pending U.S tariffs). Equally, heightened demand will support an uplift in rates as carriers open up for contract discussions through February and March.”
As the year progresses, businesses must remain agile in response to global market shifts. Close monitoring of freight trends will be essential for supply chain resilience and strategic planning.
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