Shipping Lines Ramp up Services on China–India Route amid Trade Growth
- July 31, 2025
- News
Carriers from China—including CULines, Sinotrans, and SITC—are launching new weekly services connecting major Chinese ports (Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo, Xiamen, Nansha, Shekou, Hong Kong) with Indian ports such as Nhava Sheva, Mundra, and Port Klang.
These route expansions come amid robust growth in the China–India trade corridor: Q1 2025 imports from China to India rose by 16%, particularly in industrial inputs and consumer goods. Nonetheless, the influx of new capacity is denting freight rates—spot rates now hover around US $2,200–2,300 per 40ft container on routes like Shanghai to Nhava Sheva.
Industry watchers warn this strategy may spark oversupply unless demand continues to rise in tandem. The rising vessel availability and service options may intensify competition further, potentially suppressing rates unless carriers balance the market dynamics.