On October 23, the Shanghai Shipping Exchange published its latest indices: the CCFI composite slipped 2.4% week over week to 1,876.27 points, while the Japan lane index bucked the trend, rising 2.5% to 1,063.23 (from 1,037.21). The SCFI composite inched up 1.76 points to 3,681.34 — a third consecutive weekly gain.
By trade lane, most deep-sea routes softened: US West Coast -4.2%, US East Coast -2.6%, Europe -0.3%, Southeast Asia -3.0% and Persian Gulf/Red Sea -5.4%. Gains came from short-sea and niche trades: Japan +2.5%, Korea +4.4% and South Africa +5.0%. The exchange's weekly commentary described the overall market as stable, with lanes diverging on their own supply-demand fundamentals.
On the prior week's SCFI spot reading (October 16), Shanghai to West Japan (Kansai) stood at USD 328/TEU and East Japan (Kanto) at USD 331/TEU (reference rates — carrier quotes prevail). With the Japan lane index rising again this week, plus year-end e-commerce stocking and post-typhoon schedule recovery, space utilization toward Kanto and Kansai remains high.
Operationally, Typhoon No. 30's impact on East China ports is fading: Yangshan feeder services are resuming per terminal notices, and data cited in Drewry's capacity report shows Shanghai port vessel waiting time down from about 97 hours in week 38 to around 38 hours in week 42 — a noticeably smoother window for year-end shipping.
Our advice: a softer composite index does not open a discount window on the Japan lane — the lane index moved up this week. Book FCL 7-10 days ahead and leave a 1-2 week buffer for LCL; when comparing quotes, separate ocean freight from surcharges. Use the buttons below for the rate calculator, shipment tracking or online consultation, or click sales@ruixincargo.com to send your cargo details directly (all rates are reference rates).