The Tianjin Shipping Index (TSI), a key indicator for domestic and international sea freight prices in Northern China, climbed rapidly before stabilizing during the 12th week of 2026 (March 16-20). The index closed at 1202.27 points, representing a cumulative increase of 73.89 points, or 6.55%, compared to the final reading of the previous week on March 13.

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

The Northern International Container Freight Index (TCI) recorded a substantial increase. For European and Mediterranean routes, more shipping companies followed an initial general rate increase at the start of the week due to high vessel fuel costs. However, the upward momentum in freight rates slowed significantly later, constrained by weak market cargo volumes. The freight indices for the Tianjin-Europe, Tianjin-East Mediterranean, and Tianjin-West Mediterranean routes rose by 10.77%, 22.97%, and 16.75%, respectively. On U.S. routes, freight rates were sharply raised by carriers due to increased fuel costs and a moderate recovery in cargo volume. The freight indices for the Tianjin-U.S. West Coast and Tianjin-U.S. East Coast routes increased by 27.96% and 27.82%, respectively. Ultimately, the TCI closed at 1307.48 points, up 12.26% from March 13.

The Northern International Dry Bulk Freight Index (TBI) continued its upward trend at the beginning of the week before experiencing consecutive slight declines. The coal freight index rose by 7.16% cumulatively, as market rates continued to climb with a small number of coal cargo deals concluded for Indonesian and East Australian shipments. The grain freight index increased by 1.67%. The metal ore freight index gained 0.69%. The TBI finally settled at 1246.03 points, marking a cumulative increase of 2.55% compared to March 13.

The Coastal Container Freight Index (TDI) saw its rate of increase narrow. The outbound freight index continued to rise due to strong booking demand for outbound voyages and rising international oil prices, although the pace of growth moderated, resulting in a cumulative increase of 10.32%. The inbound freight index registered a slight gain of 0.87%. The TDI concluded the period at 1350.19 points, up 4.77% from March 13.

The Tianjin Shipping Index is released on every working day. Its sample covers 27 international routes connecting the Port of Tianjin, the Port of Qingdao, and the Port of Caofeidian with relevant global ports, as well as domestic shipping routes between Tianjin and other major Chinese ports. The index uses July 16, 2010, as its base period, with a base value of 1000 points.