China Freight Market Updates - [2026 July]

By YQN Operation Team

Following the Chinese New Year holiday, the overall export container shipping market from China has demonstrated a stable and healthy recovery. Notably, market freight rates across major ocean routes are showing an upward trend, driving a rise in the comprehensive index.

According to the Shanghai Shipping Exchange (SSE), the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) reached 3,326.87 points on July 4th, 2026, representing a 2.7% increase from the previous period.

As a global digital logistics expert, YQN Logistics offers the latest China freight market updates with real-time data. Below is a detailed breakdown of the latest shipping insights by region.

China to Europe & Mediterranean

The European economy is showing signs of Q3 stability. According to data released by Eurostat, the Eurozone's CPI in June rose by 2.8% year-on-year, falling below market expectations and the previous value. The recent decline in international oil prices back to pre-Middle East conflict levels has been a key factor driving down inflation. However, whether the energy price shocks triggered by the conflict have fully subsided remains to be seen. The cooling inflation helps lower expectations for consecutive rate hikes by the European Central Bank, which favors the continuous recovery of the European economy in the future.

This week, the transportation demand remained generally stable, and the supply and demand fundamentals were solid, pushing spot market freight rates to continue climbing.

Moreover, according to YQN's rates search engine, average ocean freight from Shanghai to Europe base port reached $3,418/TEU on July 3, up 2.3% from the previous period. Following the same trend, the sea freight rates from Shanghai to Mediterranean base ports reached $5,797/TEU, a 0.5% increase.

Check real-time  container shipping rates:

China to North America

According to data released by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), the U.S. Manufacturing PMI in June stood at 53.3. While slightly lower than the previous reading, it continues to hover near a four-year high. This index has been in the expansion zone for six consecutive months, marking the sector's longest sustained expansion since 2022. Additionally, a significant drop in oil prices has helped alleviate cost pressures.

This week, transportation demand continued to trend upward. With a favorable supply and demand dynamic, spot market freight rates continued their climb. On July 3, the market freight rates (including ocean freight and surcharges) for exports from Shanghai to the North American base ports were:

• U.S. West Coast (USWC): $6,630/FEU, representing a 9.3% increase from the previous period.
• U.S. East Coast (USEC): $8,296/FEU, representing a 12.3% increase from the previous period.

Check real-time  container shipping rates:

China to the Middle East

The overall geopolitical situation in the Middle East remains generally stable, but it will still take time for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to fully return to normal. This week, market freight rates continued to experience a slight pullback.

On July 3, the market freight rate (including ocean freight and surcharges) for exports from Shanghai to the Persian Gulf base ports was $4,392/TEU, down 4.4% from the previous period.

Check real-time  container shipping rates:

China to Latin America

Although prices rose continuously in June, transportation demand growth weakened in July. Lacking support from supply and demand fundamentals, market freight rates continued to trend downward.

On July 3, the market freight rate (including ocean freight and surcharges) for exports from Shanghai to the South American base ports hit $7,230/TEU, representing a 9.3% decrease from the previous period.

Need a specific quote for Latin America? Send your request Now.

Check real-time  container shipping rates:

China to Australia and New Zealand

Transportation demand continues to trend upward, and spot market booking prices continue to climb. On July 3, the market freight rate (including ocean freight and surcharges) for exports from Shanghai to Australia and New Zealand base ports was $2,279/TEU, an increase of 9.7% compared to the previous period.

Check real-time  container shipping rates:

China to Asia (Japan)

The transportation market remained stable, and market freight rates experienced a slight decline. On July 3, the ocean freight rate index for China's exports to the Japan route stood at 954.57 points.

Check real-time  container shipping rates:

Conclusion

Overall, the latest China freight market updates indicate a positive environment for Q3. Demand is recovering, and while container shipping rates from China on long-haul routes are rising, equipment and vessel space remain sufficient to accommodate the growing trade volumes.

At YQN Logistics, we make global shipping easy. On our platform, you can effortlessly compare rates, secure bookings, and track your supply chain completely online.

Ready to ship?

• Compare Instant Rates: Visit our website www.yqn.com
• Get a Custom Offer: Submit your complex shipping needs via fast quote.
• Talk to an Expert: Chat on WhatsApp +44 7873 164583 for immediate, personalized support.