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The China Containerized Freight Index (CCFI) is a powerful indicator of container shipping rates from China’s major ports to global destinations.
By studying China containerized freight index historical data, importers and exporters gain crucial insights into freight rate movements, trade demand, and logistics planning.
However, with constant market fluctuations, analyzing past CCFI trends is more important than ever. This guide explains how historical CCFI data reveals market cycles, supports pricing strategies, and helps businesses make informed logistics decisions.
At Top China Forwarder, we track CCFI values weekly to help clients forecast shipping costs and choose optimal transport times.
What Is the China Containerized Freight Index?
The CCFI measures weekly fluctuations in export container freight rates from China’s coastal ports to key global routes.
It was launched in 1998 by the Shanghai Shipping Exchange (SSE), using 1,000 as the base index value.
When the index rises above 1,000, rates are higher than the 1998 baseline; when it falls below, rates are lower.
This simple metric now serves as a global benchmark for understanding container freight pricing dynamics.
Why Historical Data Matters for Businesses
Historical CCFI data helps companies identify patterns, forecast demand, and manage cost exposure.
For example:
- Importers use trends to schedule shipments before rate hikes.
- Exporters plan inventory around low-cost windows.
- Freight forwarders benchmark pricing accuracy against long-term averages.
Therefore, understanding the China containerized freight index historical data allows businesses to turn raw numbers into actionable supply-chain strategies.
How the CCFI Is Calculated
The Shanghai Shipping Exchange gathers actual transaction data from over 20 major carriers.
Rates are averaged and weighted according to each route’s export volume.
| Step | Process Description |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Shipping companies submit contract + spot rate data weekly |
| 2️⃣ | SSE verifies and averages route rates |
| 3️⃣ | Weighted by trade lane importance (e.g., Europe, U.S.) |
| 4️⃣ | Finalized index published every Friday |
This transparency ensures reliability across both short-term and long-term freight markets.
Key Components of the Historical Dataset
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Time Range | 1998–Present |
| Frequency | Weekly |
| Data Format | Indexed (base 1,000) |
| Coverage | 12 global trade routes |
| Sources | >20 major shipping lines |
| Use Case | Pricing benchmark, forecasting, market comparison |
The CCFI historical dataset is a vital tool for shipping analysts, traders, and freight professionals worldwide.
Analyzing China Containerized Freight Index Historical Data (2019–2025)
Let’s examine historical CCFI performance to understand market behavior.
| Year | Average Index Value | Market Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 865 | Stable demand; trade tensions limit growth |
| 2020 | 1,145 | Pandemic-driven capacity shortages lift rates |
| 2021 | 2,300 | Logistics crisis peaks amid global congestion |
| 2022 | 1,620 | Normalization begins; demand softens |
| 2023 | 1,050 | Overcapacity pushes rates downward |
| 2024 | 1,115 | Gradual recovery driven by e-commerce |
| 2025 (Q1) | 1,085 | Moderate stability with seasonal variations |
As seen above, freight rates surged during the pandemic but gradually normalized by 2024. These shifts reflect the cyclical nature of global shipping.
Comparing CCFI vs. SCFI Historical Data
| Index | Data Scope | Rate Type | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCFI | All Chinese coastal ports | Contract + Spot | Long-term trends |
| SCFI | Shanghai port only | Spot | Short-term rates |
The China Containerized Freight Index (CCFI) provides a broad, balanced perspective, while the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) tracks immediate market reactions.
Major Trade Lanes in Historical Records
Each trade lane affects the CCFI differently.
| Route | Weight (%) | Typical Trend (2019–2025) |
|---|---|---|
| China–Europe | 20 | Peak 2021; stable since 2023 |
| China–US West Coast | 15 | Sharp fall post-2022 |
| China–US East Coast | 10 | Gradual normalization |
| China–Mediterranean | 8 | Resilient growth 2024–2025 |
| China–Southeast Asia | 7 | Consistent stability |
| China–Australia | 5 | Mild volatility |
| Others | 35 | Mixed seasonal trends |
By analyzing these segments, shippers can forecast pricing differences between destinations.
How to Use CCFI Historical Data for Forecasting
Studying China containerized freight index historical data helps businesses:
- Identify Rate Cycles: Recognize seasonal or yearly surges.
- Negotiate Better Contracts: Base discussions on factual benchmarks.
- Plan Capacity Efficiently: Adjust order timing to low-rate seasons.
- Predict Global Trade Trends: Understand export demand correlations.
At Top China Forwarder, we combine CCFI trends with real-time market updates to advise clients when to book containers at the most cost-effective times.
Where to Access China Containerized Freight Index Historical Data
Reliable data sources include:
- Shanghai Shipping Exchange (Official Website) – offers weekly downloads.
- Top China Forwarder Reports – simplified analysis tailored for clients.
- Industry Databases – e.g., Drewry, Freightos, Xeneta for premium charts.
These platforms allow users to visualize freight rate evolution across decades.
Interpreting Historical CCFI Movements
When examining trends, note three core drivers:
- Global Demand: Export volume rises push the index upward.
- Capacity Availability: New ship deliveries or blank sailings affect rates.
- Fuel and Port Costs: Changes in bunker prices and surcharges influence fluctuations.
Thus, historical data doesn’t just show numbers—it tells a story of trade dynamics and logistics evolution.
Practical Example: Using Historical Data for Cost Strategy
Suppose you plan to ship 1,000 TEUs annually from China to Europe.
By comparing historical CCFI data, you can identify when rates typically dip (e.g., Q1 and Q4) and adjust shipment schedules accordingly.
As a result, importers can save up to 10–15% annually by timing freight procurement strategically.
That’s exactly how Top China Forwarder supports clients through real-time insights and forecasting tools.
The Broader Impact on Global Shipping
Historical CCFI data provides valuable context for supply-chain decisions:
- Manufacturers plan production schedules based on freight trends.
- Retailers align inventory with global logistics cycles.
- Investors use it to evaluate transport company performance.
Ultimately, the index connects financial, logistical, and operational planning into one measurable system.
Conclusion
The China containerized freight index historical data provides invaluable insight into the evolution of global shipping.
By studying its long-term movements, logistics professionals can anticipate costs, identify seasonal cycles, and negotiate smarter freight agreements.
In a complex and rapidly changing trade environment, knowledge truly means savings.
Trust Top China Forwarder to transform data into strategy — ensuring your shipments move efficiently, competitively, and on schedule.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How far back does CCFI historical data go?
Records date back to 1998, covering over 25 years of container freight rate trends.
Can historical data predict future shipping prices?
While not exact, it reveals rate cycles that guide better forecasting decisions.
Where can I find visual charts of the index?
Charts and graphs are available on the Shanghai Shipping Exchange and industry portals.
How often is the CCFI updated?
It’s published every Friday to reflect the latest freight rate averages.
What causes sharp changes in CCFI values?
Sudden rate shifts often result from capacity shortages, seasonal demand, or fuel surcharges.