Europe Shipping Rates Rise Again! MSC, CMA CGM, HPL Collective Price Adjustment on Nov 15

On November 3, 2025, the global shipping market experienced another wave of disruption. MSC, CMA CGM (CMA CGM), and HPL announced that shipping rates from Asia to Europe will increase starting November 15. This is the second round of rate hikes on Europe routes within a month following the mid-October adjustment.

Europe Shipping Rate Increases at a Glance

CMA CGM (CMA CGM)

• 20-foot container (TEU): $1,700 (increase of $300)
• 40-foot container (FEU): $3,000 (increase of $400)

MSC

• TEU increase: $180–$400
• FEU increase: $300–$500

HPL (Hapag-Lloyd)

• TEU: $1,900 (increase of $400)
• FEU: $3,100 (increase of $600)

Within two months, CMA CGM's FEU rates have risen by a cumulative 67%.

Three Key Reasons Behind the Rate Hikes

1. Strong Peak Season Demand

The fourth quarter is traditionally a peak shipping season for Europe and the US, coupled with pre-Christmas stocking demand. Shanghai Shipping Exchange data shows that in mid-October, Europe route rates increased by 10% week-on-week, and Mediterranean rates rose by 4.9%.

2. Red Sea Situation Increases Detour Costs

Due to security risks in the Red Sea, most carriers choose to detour around the Cape of Good Hope, increasing the voyage by approximately 30%, leading to higher fuel and operational costs.

3. Phased Price Adjustment Strategy by Carriers

Leading carriers implement phased price hikes to stabilize market sentiment and test volume support. For example, in mid-October, Maersk and CMA CGM maintained FEU rates unchanged for three consecutive weeks. The current collective adjustment continues this strategy.

Market Reactions and Shipper Strategies

As of November 10, the Europe mainline futures index closed at 1708.6 points, but the December contract was about 650 points above the spot price (approximately $2,400/FEU), indicating differing expectations for future rates.

• Ship early to lock in shipping costs
• Be aware of peak season surcharges (e.g., HPL Asia to Southwest Africa route $600/TEU)
• Adjust shipping plans flexibly

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Outlook for Shipping Rates

The sustainability of this Europe rate hike depends on two key factors:

• Peak season demand fulfillment: Actual shipment volumes in late November to December
• Capacity control strategy: Whether carriers implement blank sailings or slow steaming to support rates

Shippers should closely monitor rate implementation and plan shipments flexibly; investors should be cautious of potential corrections due to futures premiums, with short-term operations best within a range.

Goodship56 Reminder: In a volatile global shipping market, planning ahead, choosing reliable carriers, and adopting flexible transport solutions are key to controlling logistics costs.