Spot container rates from Asia to the United States declined as carriers added capacity in a soft market, reported LA's Global Trade magazine.

Rates to the US West Coast fell two per cent, or US$33 per FEU, to $1,861 per FEU. Month-on-month, prices dropped 22 per cent, or $511 per FEU, from November 11, highlighting weaker carrier pricing power.

On the Asia-US East Coast route, weekly rates slipped 1.5 per cent, or $41 per FEU, to $2,709 per FEU. Month-on-month, rates were down 9 per cent, or $257 per FEU, marking a clear correction despite limited weekly changes.

Xeneta chief analyst Peter Sand said supply and demand fundamentals are misaligned, with carriers adding ships even as demand softens. He noted attempts to raise rates in mid-December may not last due to downward pressure from rising supply.

Capacity on Asia-US West Coast services rose 1.7 per cent, or 5,300 TEU, in the latest week, while East Coast capacity jumped 10 per cent, or 17,400 TEU. Month-on-month, East Coast capacity grew 16 per cent to 26,300 TEU, intensifying pressure on spot prices.

Analysts said the gradual return of container ships to the Red Sea-Suez Canal route, including CMA CGM's Indamex service, could add as much as two million TEU annually, further weighing on rates for Asia-US and Asia-Europe trades.

Transatlantic rates steadied, with North Europe to US East Coast averaging $1,571 per FEU, down just 0.1 per cent week-on-week. Monthly rates gained 0.3 per cent, or $5 per FEU, as carriers trimmed capacity, stabilising supply and demand balance.