What’s happening in March?
Report overview
Asia: Tit-for-tat tariffs: China hits back with US agricultural import cuts
China is preparing countermeasures against the US tariffs, likely focusing on agricultural imports such as soybeans, beef, and pork.
Beijing has also signaled potential non-tariff restrictions on US businesses operating in China, continuing a pattern of tit-for-tat trade measures.
The average container leasing rate for a 40ft high cube container from Shanghai to New York was $590 in March 2025, while the rate from Shanghai to Los Angeles reached $600.
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The US: US targets Chinese shipping with new port fees
The US has introduced new port fees targeting Chinese-built and -operated vessels, with charges reaching up to $1.5 million per call.
These measures aim to curb China’s influence in global shipping and boost US shipbuilding, but industry experts warn they could drive up costs for American importers and lead to cargo rerouting through Canada and Mexico.
As of March 2025, the average price of a cargo-worthy 40ft container on the US West Coast is $1,545, while prices are higher on the US East Coast, averaging $1,595.
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Europe: Congestion in Asia and Europe drives charter market
European ports are experiencing congestion due to ongoing labor disputes, with major hubs like Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Le Havre facing delays.
As of March 2025, the average price for a cargo-worthy 40ft container at European ports is $1,436, with the highest prices in Hamburg and the lowest in Le Havre.
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The ISC and ME: Maersk plans $5 billion investment in India’s ports and logistics
Maersk is investing $5 billion in India’s ports and logistics infrastructure to capitalize on the country’s growing trade importance and strengthen supply chains.
As of March 2025, the average price of a cargo-worthy 20ft container in India is $1,120, reflecting a slight decrease from $1,190 in February.
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Where does the data for our monthly reports come from?
For our monthly ‘Where are all the containers’ reports, we leverage the data from the transactions taking place on our xChange marketplace + third-party analyses and industry news to bring you:
xChange Insights
Insights gives you real-time market prices in 60 locations. It helps define the best locations and time trading containers, gives you price changes, and analysis of the current trends.
Container Availability
The CAx is a tool for monitoring the import and export moves of full containers. In this report, we show CAx trends for 40 DC (of which 55% are 40 HC; the most popular container for freight use).
Container Leasing Rates
We analyze pick-up charges only for popular stretches that we can account for, like China to the US, Europe to China; and more.
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