Sourcing, Manufacturing, Distribution

Horizon B2B Trading is dedicated to connecting the global marketplace by sourcing, manufacturing and distributing high-quality products from all corners of the world. Our mission is to facilitate seamless trade, fostering mutual prosperity and sustainable growth for businesses worldwide.

 

Importations

Looking to import 20′, 40′ or 40’HC containers?

Struggling with increasing shipping prices?

Want a complete one stop service to handle all shipping aspects?

 

Get a quote today!

We work very closely with some of the biggest names in the industry and can offer very attractive shipping rates.

Shipping Quote

China and SE Asia Shipping News – December 2025

Price Trends

In December 2025, container shipping rates from China to the UK are experiencing a holiday-driven uptick but remain volatile, likely ranging between $3,500-$5,000 per FEU (40-foot equivalent unit) for the China-to-Northern Europe route (including the UK). This reflects a balance between seasonal demand and structural pressures:

Overcapacity and Post-Tariff Adjustment: With 8% fleet growth outpacing 3% demand (per Flexport), rates are capped below 2024 peaks, but UNCTAD warns of persistent elevation due to rerouting costs, keeping floors around $3,500/FEU despite blank sailings (15-20%).

Holiday Peak Surge: December caps the Q4 peak season, with strong UK retail imports for Christmas driving volumes up 10-15% from November. Freightos data shows Asia-North Europe spot rates climbing 8-10% week-on-week to around $2,200-$2,500/FEU as of early December, up from November’s $1,800-$2,200/FEU, potentially pushing UK-specific rates to $4,000-$4,500/FEU mid-month. Drewry’s World Container Index notes global averages at $2,672/FEU in late November, with holiday frontloading adding $500-$800/FEU volatility.

Route Changes

Route dynamics for China-to-UK shipping in December 2025 are shifting cautiously toward normalisation, influenced by recent security improvements:

Port Congestion Moderation: UK ports like Felixstowe and Southampton face holiday pressures but benefit from stabilized alliances, with AI logistics reducing delays to 1-2 days. Spillover from US port slowdowns (33-50% China volume drop) eases as capacity reallocates to Europe.

Red Sea/Suez Canal Recovery: Following the fragile Gaza ceasefire and reduced Houthi attacks, Suez transits are rebounding, with November volumes at 1,156 vessels (up from 1,000 year-over-year) generating $383.4 million in revenue. Maersk-affiliated vessels resume partial Suez operations from early December, shortening transit times to 30-35 days from 40-45 via the Cape of Good Hope, potentially easing fuel costs by $500-$800/FEU. However, only 30-40% of Asia-Europe services use Suez due to lingering risks, per UNCTAD (down 49% year-over-year overall), with most still opting for the Cape to avoid insurance hikes (up 20-40x).

Shipping Carrier Activities

Carriers on the China-UK route are optimizing post-alliance networks and embracing sustainability in December 2025, amid peak volumes:

Capacity Management: MSC, Maersk, and CMA CGM are blanking 15-20% of Asia-Europe sailings to handle holiday surges while countering overcapacity, per Sea-Intelligence. MSC leads with 23% market share on Asia-Europe (via independent ops and Premier Alliance slot exchanges), offering 1,900+ direct port pairs for broad UK coverage.

Alliance Maturation: The Gemini Cooperation (Maersk-Hapag-Lloyd, since February 2025) targets 90% schedule reliability with hub-and-spoke models on Asia-Europe, enhancing UK calls despite fewer loops. Ocean Alliance (CMA CGM, COSCO, Evergreen, extended to 2032) holds 35% share, focusing on green routes (LNG vessels adding $75-$200/FEU premiums under IMO’s Net-Zero Framework, adopted October). Premier Alliance (ONE, HMM, Yang Ming) doubles transpacific services but bolsters Asia-UK via MSC ties, improving efficiency to 60-70%.

Tech and Green Focus: AI/blockchain aids holiday forecasting, while LNG expansions (e.g., CMA CGM) align with EU ETS, though adding compliance costs.

Possible Risks to Rates

Several risks could exacerbate December 2025 volatility, with geopolitics and policy shifts as key wildcards:

Geopolitical Instability: Houthi resurgence or Gaza ceasefire collapse could halt Suez gains, enforcing Cape routing and spiking rates 20-30% ($4,500-$6,000/FEU) via fuel/insurance hikes; UNCTAD notes chronic disruptions and Hormuz spillover risks. A full Suez return (e.g., 50%+ transits) might drop rates to $3,000/FEU by month-end.

Tariff and Trade Uncertainty: The Trump-Xi pause (November 4, suspending rare earth controls and US port fees until December 31) averts $100-$300/FEU hikes, but threats of 100% tariffs post-pause could slash US-China volumes 43%, reallocating capacity and adding $400-$700/FEU to China-UK. WTO forecasts 1% global trade contraction from policies.

Economic and Demand Fluctuations: China’s 4.1% growth and UK/eurozone 1.7% buoy holiday demand, but UNCTAD’s 0.5% seaborne trade stall could cap rates at $3,200/FEU if post-Christmas imports falter; stronger Black Friday/Christmas sales might lift to $5,500/FEU.

Regulatory/Operational Costs: IMO/EU ETS adds $100-$300/FEU; equipment shortages from US shifts raise leasing. Fuel stability (~$553/mt VLSFO) helps, but overcapacity risks squeezes (per Lloyd’s List).

We have the knowledge!

Choose Horizon B2B Trading for YOUR FCL shipping needs!

Get a shipping quote from us – just use the form above!

 

Kitchens and Bathrooms

With a wide range of styles and choices, we offer a full catalogue of bespoke kitchens and bathrooms for commercial applications.

Over 20 years in manufacturing in a variety of sectors provides Horizon B2B Trading with the experience, knowledge and track record to deliver high quality, high volume solutions to many commercial trades.

If you’re looking for tailored programmes to fit your custom specifications and volumes, then enquire today and let us help. We specialise in large volume sourcing, manufacturing and distribution.