Shipping stocks led the decline in Hong Kong markets. As of press time, COSCO SHIP ENGY (01138) fell 7.07% to HK$9.07; SITC (01308) dropped 5.61% to HK$28.92; OOIL (00316) declined 4.12% to HK$128.1; and COSCO SHIP HOLD (01919) fell 3.98% to HK$13.27.

On the news front, according to the Shanghai Shipping Exchange, China's export container transportation demand showed relative weakness last week, with ocean shipping market rates continuing to adjust and the comprehensive index decline expanding. On September 19, the Shanghai Export Container Comprehensive Freight Index released by the Shanghai Shipping Exchange stood at 1198.21 points, down 14.3% from the previous period.

Additionally, on European routes, transportation demand growth lacked momentum, supply-demand balance conditions were unfavorable, and spot market booking prices continued their downward trajectory. For North American routes, transportation demand declined compared to early September, with fundamentals lacking support and spot market booking prices experiencing significant declines. On Persian Gulf routes, transportation demand remained weak, with spot market rates continuing substantial adjustments. Australia-New Zealand routes saw basically stable transportation demand, but market rates maintained their downward trend. South American routes experienced lackluster demand growth, with fundamentals under pressure and spot market booking prices continuing to fall.