current container rates from china 2022

Container shipping rates from China fluctuated significantly in 2022, influenced by various factors such as global demand, supply chain disruptions, port congestion, and geopolitical events. Here is a general overview of the container shipping rates during that period, based on major trade lanes:

1. Asia to North America (USA & Canada):

  • Container Size: 40-foot container (FEU)
  • Peak Period Rates (early 2022):
    • From Shanghai to Los Angeles: $14,000 – $20,000
    • From Shenzhen to New York: $16,000 – $22,000
  • Off-Peak Period Rates (mid-2022):
    • Rates gradually began to decrease but remained elevated at around $10,000 to $15,000.

2. Asia to Europe:

  • Container Size: 40-foot container (FEU)
  • Peak Period Rates:
    • From Shanghai to Rotterdam: $10,000 – $14,000
    • From Shenzhen to Hamburg: $9,000 – $13,000
  • Off-Peak Period Rates:
    • Rates stabilized to $7,000 – $11,000 by mid-to-late 2022, though still high compared to pre-pandemic levels.

3. Asia to South America (Brazil):

  • Container Size: 40-foot container (FEU)
  • Peak Period Rates:
    • From Shanghai to Santos: $7,000 – $10,000
    • From Shenzhen to Rio de Janeiro: $6,500 – $9,500
  • Off-Peak Period Rates:
    • Slight reduction to around $5,500 – $8,000.

4. Asia to Australia:

  • Container Size: 40-foot container (FEU)
  • Peak Period Rates:
    • From Shanghai to Sydney: $6,000 – $9,000
    • From Shenzhen to Melbourne: $5,500 – $8,500
  • Off-Peak Period Rates:
    • Rates typically ranged between $4,500 and $7,500.

5. Intra-Asia Shipping (e.g., China to Southeast Asia):

  • Container Size: 20-foot container (TEU)
  • Peak Period Rates:
    • From Shenzhen to Singapore: $1,500 – $2,500
    • From Shanghai to Ho Chi Minh City: $1,000 – $2,000
  • Off-Peak Period Rates:
    • Prices gradually dropped to about $1,000 – $1,500.

Key Influencing Factors in 2022:

  • Port Congestion: Major ports in the U.S., Europe, and China faced congestion, which contributed to delays and higher costs.
  • COVID-19: The ongoing impacts of the pandemic, particularly in China (lockdowns in Shanghai, for example), further strained the supply chain.
  • Geopolitical Tensions: The war in Ukraine and its economic ramifications contributed to volatility in shipping costs, especially to and from European countries.
  • Fuel Costs: The rising price of fuel in 2022 also contributed to increased shipping rates.

Trends in the Second Half of 2022:

By mid-2022, container rates began to show signs of leveling off after the extreme highs of 2021. However, they remained significantly elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels. Industry experts predicted gradual price adjustments throughout the rest of the year, especially as global demand began to moderate and as more shipping capacity was added to the market.

For specific rates or more up-to-date data, it’s always a good idea to check with the shipping carriers or freight forwarders directly, as rates are dynamic and can vary based on your cargo’s characteristics and destination.