The global logistics industry is witnessing a period of rate corrections and capacity adjustments across both airfreight and ocean container sectors. Following a brief surge before China’s Golden Week holiday, spot rates have begun to decline, reflecting shifting demand patterns and persistent overcapacity in the market.

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Airfreight Market Update

Airfreight rates from China to Europe have experienced a 4% decline in the past two weeks. Despite this dip, rates remain 1.5% higher than mid-September levels, signaling that overall pricing remains relatively strong compared to earlier months.
The volatility is largely attributed to post-holiday demand normalization and broader market recalibrations after the pre-Golden Week rush. Analysts suggest the airfreight market may continue to fluctuate in the short term as carriers and forwarders adjust capacity.

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Container Freight Market Update

In parallel, container spot rates on major east-west trade routes have also shown a moderate decline. The trend reflects persistent overcapacity in the shipping sector, as new vessel deliveries outpace cargo demand growth.
Carriers are actively searching for underserved markets and exploring alternative gateways and airports to rebalance network efficiency and preserve margins.

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Key Data Summary

Category	Key Insights / Figures
Airfreight Rates (China–Europe)	Down 4% in last two weeks
Comparison to Mid-September	Still 1.5% higher than mid-September
Market Behavior	Volatile; post–Golden Week adjustment expected
Container Freight Rates	Moderate decline on key east–west routes
Primary Cause of Decline	Overcapacity and weaker seasonal demand
Carrier Response	Exploring underserved markets and alternative airports
Golden Week Impact	Temporary disruptions in production and shipping schedules
Carrier Example	Yang Ming facing challenges in maintaining profitability
Outlook	Continued rate fluctuation expected across Q4 2025

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Market Drivers and Outlook

The Golden Week holiday in China traditionally leads to shipping slowdowns as factories shut down, causing temporary dips in export activity. This year, the pre-holiday rush elevated rates briefly, but post-holiday normalization has triggered declines in both air and ocean freight markets.

Carriers such as Yang Ming have been vocal about the challenge of maintaining profitability amid high operating costs and market uncertainty. With global demand patterns shifting and trade routes diversifying, flexibility and capacity management will remain key focus areas for logistics providers.

Industry experts anticipate a mixed outlook for Q4 2025, with rates likely to remain volatile as carriers balance cost control against available tonnage and vessel supply.

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Conclusion

The current correction in freight rates underscores the fragile balance between demand, capacity, and pricing in global logistics. As airfreight and container markets recalibrate after the Golden Week disruptions, the industry faces a test of adaptability — one that will determine how efficiently carriers and forwarders navigate the final quarter of the year.