The recent rally in container freight rates is showing signs of slowing, according to the latest Baltic Exchange Market Report . After several weeks of strong gains, the major east-west trade lanes recorded either declines or little change during the week ending 17 July , suggesting that the recent upward momentum has eased. The biggest weekly decline came on the China/East Asia–US West Coast route (FBX01). Freight rates fell US$598 to US$7,068 per FEU. Despite the drop, rates remain US$936 higher than at the start of July. On the China/East Asia–US East Coast route (FBX03), rates held steady at US$9,102 per FEU. The trade has still gained US$1,205 since the beginning of the month, making it the strongest-performing major route in July. Asia-Europe trades also moved lower. Freight rates from China/East Asia to North Europe (FBX11) declined US$239 to US$5,598 per FEU. The Mediterranean route (FBX13) lost US$308 , ending the week at US$6,710 per FEU. Even with the weekly declines, both trades remain above their levels at the beginning of July. The Baltic Exchange noted that none of the key liner trades posted further gains during the week. Instead, the market recorded a combination of stable and weaker rates, indicating that the recent freight rally may be reaching a plateau. The slowdown follows a series of general rate increases (GRIs) and peak season surcharges (PSSs) introduced by container carriers. Those measures, combined with capacity management and continued geopolitical uncertainty, helped lift freight rates sharply during the first half of July. While momentum has weakened, freight levels remain well above where they stood only a few weeks ago. This suggests carriers have so far managed to retain much of the pricing gains achieved earlier this month. Attention will now turn to whether shipping lines can sustain current rate levels through continued capacity discipline and seasonal demand, or whether the market will enter a broader correction in the weeks ah