The container freight rate index showed the biggest drop on record during the period from January to February 2025. At current market status, two key signals of deep adjustment have appeared in the market. First, the demand for container shipping volume has begun to decline. Second, the drop in container freight rates was alarming.

The continued impact of the US reciprocal tariff policy may cause the 2025 shipping peak season to experience the worst dismal market conditions. All parties in the shipping industry need to pay close attention to market dynamics and prepare response strategies in advance to cope with this continuous market winter.