SeaRates Freight Updates: China Market, May 2023

With the help of SeaRates' industry-leading logistics solutions, you can search, compare, and request freight rates for any shipping route. To analyze rates on international lines, we would like to provide you with a report of rates for the Chinese market presented by YQNLin, a member of the Digital Freight Alliance from China.


Below, we provide a comparison of freight rates for transportation to different regions, an overview of the market in key destinations, as well as space and equipment for them.


Comparison of freight rates from China to different regions

Logistics from China to most regions are characterized by the absence of demand growth and supply chain problems. Statistics illustrate a decrease in freight rates in most cases. More details about the study can be found in the material:


North America: The rates for North America are showing a slightly decreasing trend. The ocean rates from China ports to eastern USA ports decreased by 0.9% from last month. At the same time, ocean rates to western USA ports kept flat, 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.


Ningbo - Prince Rupert
From $1450
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Shanghai - Vancouver
From $1450
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Qingdao - Houston
From $2300
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Qingdao - New York
From $2100
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Qingdao - Savannah
From $2100
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Shenzhen - Toronto
From $3100
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*Actual rates are valid until May 31, 2023.


South America: The rates for South America have slightly increased, namely by 0.8% from last month. The space and equipment were sufficient and normal.



Freight rates overview

China - South America




Source: YQNLink


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


Ningbo - Guayaquil
From $2100
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Shanghai - Santos
From $1700
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Shanghai - Cartagena
From $2300
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Shenzhen - Callao
From $1800
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Qingdao - Colon
From $2300
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Qingdao - Cartagena
From $2400
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*Actual rates are valid until May 31, 2023.


Europe: Rates for transportation from Chinese ports to European base ports tended to decrease by 0.7% compared to last month. The space and equipment were sufficient and normal.


Freight rates overview

China - Europe



Source: YQNLink


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


Ningbo - Istanbul
From $2200
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Ningbo - Napoli
From $2200
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Shanghai - Mersin
From $2200
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Shanghai - Genova
From $1800
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Qingdao - Izmir
From $3000
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Qingdao - For Sur Mer
From $1500
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*Actual rates are valid until May 31, 2023.


Africa: The freight rate for Africa has not changed compared to last month. The 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.


Ningbo - Casablanca
From $3400
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Qingdao - Beirut
From $2200
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Shekou - Dakar
From $1700
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Shanghai - Conakry
From $2900
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Shekou - Apapa
From $290
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Ningbo - Djibouti
From $2900Check rates


*Actual rates are valid until May 31, 2023.


Middle East: The rates are keeps flat with last 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 - Jeddah
From $1900
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Shanghai - Dammam
From $1300
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Shekou - Aden
From $3100
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Qingdao - Jebel Ali
From $1200
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Qingdao - Bandar abbas
From $1500
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Shanghai - Jebel Ali
From $1000
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*Actual rates are valid until March 31, 2023.


Asia: The supply and demand situation is stable, continuing the tendency of last month. 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.


Shanghai - Karachi
From $660
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Ningbo - Nhava Sheva
From $520
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Shekou - Jakarta
From $140
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Qingdao - Chennai
From $750
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Shekou - Laem Chabang
From $89
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Ningbo - Port Klang
From $250Check rates


*Actual rates are valid until March 31, 2023.



We see a continuation of the trend of stable or decreasing freight rates since the beginning of 2023. China remains in a strong positive supply and demand situation.

High competition among carriers encourages them to reduce freight rates, and the increase in cargo traffic allows them to save on logistics needs by reducing the cost per unit of cargo. At the same time, demand remains high in some regions.

On SeaRates.com you are welcome to find rates for any route. If you would like to receive a personalized offer, kindly submit a rate request, and our manager will contact you and provide an individual proposal 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.