China Freight Market Updates - [2026 February]
Following the traditional 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 1,333.11 points on February 27, 2026, representing a 6.5% 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 strong signs of recovery. According to S&P Global, the Eurozone's Composite PMI rose to 51.9 in February. Notably, the Manufacturing PMI jumped to 50.8 (a 44-month high), crossing the expansion threshold for the first time since last August.
This robust manufacturing expansion has kept transportation demand stable compared to pre-holiday levels. With solid supply and demand fundamentals, spot market booking prices have increased.
- Europe Base Ports: The market freight rate (ocean freight and surcharges) from Shanghai to Europe base ports is $1,420/TEU, up 4.3% from the previous period.
- Mediterranean Base Ports: Following the same trend, the rate from Shanghai to Mediterranean base ports reached $2,305/TEU, a 5.9% increase.
Check real-time to Europe.
China to North America
The U.S. market is experiencing slight adjustments. S&P Global data shows the U.S. preliminary Composite PMI dipped to 52.3 in February, with both manufacturing and service sectors showing a slight slowdown in their expansion pace. Furthermore, the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling declaring the administration's large-scale tariff measures unconstitutional has introduced significant uncertainty into global trade.
Despite this, the trans-Pacific shipping market remains relatively stable, and spot market booking rates continue to climb.
- U.S. West Coast (USWC): Rates from Shanghai reached $1,857/FEU, up 3.9%.
- U.S. East Coast (USEC): Rates from Shanghai reached $2,691/FEU, up 6.6%.
China to the Middle East (Persian Gulf)
The Persian Gulf route is facing unique challenges due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the region. Additionally, the impending traditional "Ramadan" period has significantly boosted short-term shipping demand, pushing spot market rates up sharply.
- Persian Gulf Base Ports: The rate from Shanghai skyrocketed to $1,327/TEU, marking a massive 35.4% surge from the previous period.
China to South America
Post-holiday transportation demand to South America has remained steady. The supply and demand relationship has improved significantly, driving a strong rebound in market freight rates.
- South America Base Ports: The rate from Shanghai to South American base ports hit $1,622/TEU, representing a substantial 36.5% increase.
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China to Australia and New Zealand
Driven by steady growth in transportation demand, the market rates for the Oceania route continue their upward trajectory.
- Australia/New Zealand Base Ports: The rate from Shanghai is currently $710/TEU, an increase of 3.2% compared to the previous period.
China to Asia (Japan)
The intra-Asia transportation market remains fundamentally stable. This week, market freight rates experienced a minor decline.
- Japan Routes: The freight rate index for China's exports to Japan stood at 933.66 points.
Conclusion
Overall, the latest China freight market updates indicate a positive post-holiday environment. Demand is recovering, and while rates on long-haul routes are rising, equipment and vessel space remain sufficient to accommodate the growing trade volumes.
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