I. Tianjin Shipping Index (TSI)
In Week 53, 2025 (Dec.29 to Dec.31), according to the adjusted release schedule, Tianjin Shipping Index (TSI), Tianjin Bulk Freight Index (TBI) and International Grain Future Freight (IGF) were suspended from publication. Tianjin Container Freight Index (TCI) and Tianjin Domestic Container Freight Index (TDI) were released three times.
II. Tianjin Container Freight Index (TCI)
In Week 53, 2025 (Dec.29 to Dec.31), the trend of Tianjin Container Freight Index (TCI) is as follows:
In Week 53, the TCI fluctuated upwards.
From Dec.29-Dec.31 (Mon.-Wed.), the freight rate in European route increased steadily, and the freight rates in Mediterranean route, American route and African route increased significantly, and the freight rate in South American route continued to decrease. The TCI showed strong performance, closing at 1257.26 points, with the cumulative increase of 39.46 points (3.24%) from Dec.26 (the last release day of Week 52).
The TCI index value and several ups and downs on a day-on-day basis are as follows:
The TCI includes 19 sample routes. The main route analysis of this week is as follows:
European/Mediterranean route As the market was about to enter the traditional shipping peak season, shipping companies anticipated a rebound in cargo volumes. Additionally, recent congestion at major local ports impacted market supply capacity, prompting some carriers to implement January price hikes this week. The Mediterranean route, in particular, saw more pronounced rate increases due to tight spot space availability. The freight indices in European route, Mediterranean East route and Mediterranean West route closed at 774.48 points, 1218.89 points and 1617.73 points, with weekly cumulative increases of 1.00%, 5.38% and 7.90%.
American route Shipping companies continued to reduce their schedules, leading to a significant shortage of spot capacity this week, which drove a rapid rebound in freight rates. The freight indices in American West Coast route and American East Coast route closed at 867.71 points and 828.28 points, with weekly cumulative increases of 10.90% and 7.36%.
South American route The low shipment volume of traders dragged down the overall decline in freight rates, with a particularly significant drop in the freight rate on the South American East route. The freight indices in South American West route, South American East route and Central and South American route closed at 648.10 points, 825.27 points and 754.53 points, with weekly cumulative decreases of 2.80%, 10.50% and 2.46%.
African route The market cargo volume stabilized and rebounded, and the heavy container space on the South African route was tight, the main ports on the West African route were congested, and the continuous empty spaces of shipping companies on the East African route caused a shortage of capacity. Shipping companies increased surcharges such as GRI and PSS. The freight indices in South African route, West African route and East African closed at 1736.19 points, 1540.08 points and 1849.98 points, with weekly cumulative increases of 9.17%, 4.60% and 4.15%.
IV. Tianjin Domestic Container Freight Index (TDI)
In Week 53 (Dec.29 to Dec.31), the trend of the Tianjin Domestic Container Freight Index (TDI) is shown in the chart below:
In Week 53, the Tianjin Domestic Container Freight Index remained stable.
From Dec.29 to 31 (Mon. to Wed.), both the inbound and outbound sub-indices remained stable. The TDI closed at 1145.62 points, unchanged from Dec.26 (the last release day of Week 52).
The TDI index value and several ups and downs on a day-on-day basis are as follows:
The Tianjin Domestic Container Outward Freight Index (TDOI) Remained stable, closing at 1181.94 points on Dec.31, unchanged from Dec.26 (the last release day of Week 52). As the year-end approached, market shipment volumes declined and carriers adjusted capacity downward. Outbound freight rates held steady throughout the week, with the Tianjin-Shanghai, Tianjin-Quanzhou/Xiamen, and Tianjin-Guangzhou route indices closing at 1103.09, 1437.88, and 1140.27 points respectively, all unchanged on a weekly basis.
The Tianjin Domestic Container Inward Freight Index (TDII) Remained stable, closing at 1109.30 points on Dec.31, unchanged from Dec.26 (the last release day of Week 52). With booking demand from shippers softening, inbound freight rates held steady across the market. The Shanghai-Tianjin, Quanzhou/Xiamen-Tianjin, and Guangzhou-Tianjin route indices closed at 1049.39, 807.97, and 1192.96 points respectively, all unchanged on a weekly basis.
(The analysis report is for reference only and at your own risk)
