Sourcing, Manufacturing, Distribution

Horizon B2B Trading is dedicated to connecting the global marketplace by sourcing, manufacturing and distributing high-quality products from all corners of the world. Our mission is to facilitate seamless trade, fostering mutual prosperity and sustainable growth for businesses worldwide.

 

Importations

Looking to import 20′, 40′ or 40’HC containers?

Struggling with increasing shipping prices?

Want a complete one stop service to handle all shipping aspects?

 

Get a quote today!

We work very closely with some of the biggest names in the industry and can offer very attractive shipping rates.

Shipping Quote

China and SE Asia Shipping News – October 2025

Price Trends

In October 2025, container shipping rates from China to the UK are trending downward amid overcapacity and softening post-peak demand. This continues the stabilisation seen in September but with added pressure from seasonal factors:

Overcapacity Dominance: With 8% fleet growth in 2025 outpacing 3% demand, rates are capped despite Red Sea rerouting. UNCTAD notes ton-miles up 5.9% due to longer routes, but this hasn’t offset the supply glut, keeping China-UK rates 20-30% below 2024 peaks.

Post-Golden Week Dip: China’s Golden Week holiday led to factory shutdowns and a sharp drop in export volumes, with carriers increasing blank sailings by 15-20% to align capacity. Drewry’s World Container Index fell 5% week-on-week as of October 2, with Asia-North Europe spot rates declining 7-9% (Shanghai-Rotterdam/Genoa). For UK routes, this translates to $3,000-$3,500/FEU early in the month, potentially easing further to $2,800-$3,200 by late October unless Q4 holiday frontloading picks up.

Route Changes

Route dynamics for China-to-UK shipping in October 2025 remain constrained by persistent security issues, with limited shifts from earlier in the year:

Alternative Route Exploration: Some carriers are testing the Northern Sea Route (NSR) for efficiency, but ice conditions and infrastructure limit it to niche LNG/tanker use; container adoption remains minimal for China-UK.

Red Sea/Suez Canal Stagnation: Only 20-30% of Asia-Europe services use the Suez Canal, per recent UNCTAD data showing 70% below 2023 tonnage levels. Most carriers (70-80%) continue via the Cape of Good Hope, extending transit times to 40-45 days (vs. 30-35 via Suez) and adding to fixed costs. Maersk’s CEO indicated no full return until “well into 2025,” with renewed attacks in August-September reinforcing caution. UK ports like Felixstowe and Southampton see stable inflows but minor delays from transshipment spillovers.

Shipping Carrier Activities

Carriers on the China-UK route are prioritizing capacity discipline and alliance optimizations in October 2025 to combat falling rates:

Sustainability and Tech Push: Green fleets expand (e.g., CMA CGM’s LNG vessels), adding $75-$200/FEU premiums for low-carbon options amid IMO’s upcoming Net-Zero Framework (October adoption). AI/blockchain integrations improve predictive scheduling, mitigating Golden Week disruptions.

Blank Sailings and Capacity Cuts: MSC, Maersk, and CMA CGM are blanking 15-25% of Asia-Europe sailings post-Golden Week to manage oversupply, per Sea-Intelligence reports. This follows Q3 shifts of excess Trans-Pacific capacity to Asia-Europe, stabilizing UK schedules but tightening space for low-yield cargo.

Alliance Refinements: The Gemini Cooperation (Maersk-Hapag-Lloyd, launched February 2025) and Ocean Alliance (CMA CGM, COSCO, Evergreen, extended to 2032) control ~35% of capacity, enhancing direct UK calls via slot exchanges (e.g., MSC with Premier Alliance). MSC’s independent post-2M strategy boosts Mediterranean-UK connectivity, while smaller carriers face equipment shortages in China.

Possible Risks to Rates

Several risks could amplify October 2025 volatility and disrupt the downward trend:

Regulatory/Operational Pressures: IMO carbon rules and EU ETS add $100-$300/FEU; equipment shortages post-Golden Week raise leasing costs. Fuel stability (VLSFO at ~$553/mt) offers relief, but overcapacity risks carrier profit squeezes (per Reuters).

Geopolitical Escalations: Renewed Houthi attacks or Gaza ceasefire collapse could enforce full Cape routing, spiking rates 20-30% via fuel/insurance hikes; UNCTAD warns of chronic port disruptions. Conversely, a stable Suez return (unlikely per Maersk) might drop rates.

US Tariffs and Trade Shifts: Trump’s tariffs (30% baseline on Chinese goods, extended post-August 2025 with de minimis exemptions suspended September 29) have reduced US-China volumes by 30-60%, shifting capacity to Asia-UK and adding to rates indirectly. New US port fees on Chinese-built vessels (effective October 14: $50/net ton for Chinese-owned) could raise costs if passed on, per C.H. Robinson analysis.

Economic and Demand Weakness: China’s 4.1% growth and UK/eurozone 1.7% project subdued Q4 imports, potentially pushing rates up; WTO forecasts 1% global trade contraction from tariffs. Stronger holiday rebound could lift to $4,500/FEU.

We have the knowledge!

Choose Horizon B2B Trading for YOUR FCL shipping needs!

Get a shipping quote from us – just use the form above!

 

Kitchens and Bathrooms

With a wide range of styles and choices, we offer a full catalogue of bespoke kitchens and bathrooms for commercial applications.

Over 20 years in manufacturing in a variety of sectors provides Horizon B2B Trading with the experience, knowledge and track record to deliver high quality, high volume solutions to many commercial trades.

If you’re looking for tailored programmes to fit your custom specifications and volumes, then enquire today and let us help. We specialise in large volume sourcing, manufacturing and distribution.