At the beginning of 2025, there is a decrease in rates for container transportation from China to Russia. According to Asia Import Group, sea freight rates have decreased by 7–15% compared to December 2024.
The main reason is the seasonal decline in activity during the Chinese New Year celebrations, which began on January 29, 2025. At this time, Chinese enterprises reduce production and shipment volumes, leading to a decrease in demand for transportation services. In addition, the improvement in the situation on railway routes contributes to faster cargo handling in ports and their subsequent dispatch across Russia, which also affects the reduction in rates.
Why is it profitable to transport cargo now?
The current reduction in rates makes cargo transportation from China more profitable. This is especially true for goods with high added value, where transportation costs account for a significant part of the cost.
Which categories of goods are most profitable for transportation?
In the current conditions, it is profitable to transport electronics, household appliances, clothing, consumer goods and raw materials, for which demand is stable and margins allow compensating for transportation costs.
Forecast of rate changes
It is expected that after the completion of the Chinese New Year celebrations and the restoration of production processes in China, container transportation rates may start to rise. предположительно, this will happen at the end of February — beginning of March 2025, so now is the time when you can save on delivery.
Recommendations
✅ Use the current reduction in rates to optimize logistics costs.
✅ Plan supplies taking into account the possible increase in tariffs in the coming months.
✅ Consider the possibility of concluding long-term contracts with carriers to fix the current favorable conditions.