Container shipping stocks experienced a late-session rally. At the time of writing, COSCO SHIP HOLD (01919) rose 3.83% to HK$15.19, OOIL (00316) increased by 3.31% to HK$143.7, and SITC (01308) gained 2.59% to HK$34.84.

Market catalysts include the recent meeting between the leaders of China and the United States, where economic and trade teams achieved broadly balanced and positive outcomes. Orient Securities noted that the agreement for mutual tariff reductions on certain products between the two nations may drive a rebound in U.S.-bound exports. Last week, freight rates on key Europe and U.S. routes accelerated their upward trend, influenced by peak-season surcharges and bunker fuel adjustment factors.

China Securities (CSC) pointed out that while current container shipping spot rates have moderated from recent highs, prices on major routes such as Europe and the U.S., as well as other lanes, remain above the break-even point for carriers. This suggests that the performance of container shipping companies in the second quarter may show sequential improvement compared to the first quarter, with the extreme volatility in the sector gradually subsiding. China's robust export figures continue to provide underlying support for container shipping demand.