Drop in Freight Prices: Crisis Continues in Maritime Trade

Important developments are taking place in global maritime trade. Tamer Kıran, a significant expert in maritime transportation, evaluated the Drewry World Container Index data and stated that as of October 2025, prices for a container approximately 40 feet long (FEU) are expected to maintain a level of 1740 dollars.

According to Kıran, this price indicates a decrease of more than 40% compared to the end of 2023. Additionally, this figure shows a decline of nearly 85% compared to the peak period of the pandemic. Observations reveal that container shipping prices are rapidly approaching pre-pandemic levels.

The factors contributing to this decline are quite noteworthy. Firstly, as demand normalizes, there is an observed increase in capacity and excess supply. When these factors come together, a noticeable saturation in the market has begun to emerge. The shift from increased goods demand to saturation presents a significant risk for the sector.

Furthermore, the partial easing of political tension in international maritime transportation has led to changes in the supply and demand balance. This situation has caused freight rates to decline further, but it is also true that the risk perception has not diminished. Companies engaged in maritime transport must develop new strategies to cope with this uncertainty.

These disruptions in the maritime trade sector raise questions about what long-term effects they may produce. Experts are keenly awaiting how companies will adapt to the current situation by analyzing the long-term results of these market fluctuations.