The Tianjin International Trade and Shipping Service Center announced that during Week 37 of 2025 (September 8-12), the Tianjin Shipping Index, which serves as a barometer for sea freight rates in northern China's domestic and international trade, declined in volatile trading, closing at 966.09 points. This represents a cumulative decrease of 10.61 points, or 1.09%, compared to September 5 (the last trading day of Week 36).

The Tianjin Shipping Index (TSI) comprehensively reflects shipping market price fluctuations in Tianjin and northern regions. It is a composite index calculated from the Northern International Container Freight Rate Index (TCI), Northern International Dry Bulk Freight Rate Index (TBI), and Coastal Container Freight Rate Index (TDI).

By category, the Northern International Container Freight Rate Index (TCI) continued to decline. European route markets saw limited cargo volumes with further downward pressure on rates. Freight rate indices for Tianjin to Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, and Western Mediterranean routes fell by 7.76%, 4.27%, and 3.56% respectively. U.S. route markets underperformed expectations, with shipping companies announcing suspension schedules around the National Day holiday. The U.S. West Coast route saw rates spike then retreat, with the freight rate index rising 1.76% week-on-week. The U.S. East Coast route experienced fewer suspensions, with its freight rate index declining 3.30% week-on-week. Ultimately, TCI closed at 1084.86 points, down 1.90% cumulatively compared to September 5.

The Northern International Dry Bulk Freight Rate Index (TBI) rebounded slightly. Coal freight rate index rose modestly by 0.80%. Grain freight rate index increased cumulatively by 1.15%. Metal ore freight rate index gained 1.21% cumulatively, as Australian miners chartered significant market capacity early in the week, driving notable increases in iron ore freight rates. TBI ultimately closed at 1113.05 points, up 1.09% cumulatively compared to September 5.

The Coastal Container Freight Rate Index (TDI) declined markedly. Outbound freight rate index dropped significantly with a cumulative decline of 2.51%. Inbound freight rate index declined amid volatility. TDI closed at 897.78 points, down 29.31 points or 3.16% cumulatively compared to September 5.

The Tianjin Shipping Index is published by the Tianjin International Trade and Shipping Service Center on each business day. The index sample covers 27 international routes connecting Tianjin Port, Qingdao Port, and Caofeidian Port with global ports, as well as domestic maritime routes between Tianjin Port and China's major ports. The index uses July 16, 2010 as its base period, with a base index of 1000 points.