Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 23, Container shipping costs from Korea to major global destinations, including the United States, the European Union (EU) and China, declined in October compared with the previous month, the Korea Customs Service said Monday. The agency noted that the trend occurred amid ongoing trade uncertainties related to U.S. tariff policies.

According to the data, the average shipping cost for a 40-foot container from Korea to the U.S. east coast fell 2.8 percent on-month to 5.34 million won ($3,632) in October. This marked the fourth consecutive monthly decrease. Shipping rates to the EU also dropped 11.6 percent to 3.1 million won during the same period.

Costs for shipments to China and Japan recorded notable decreases as well. Rates to China fell 24.7 percent to 532,000 won, while shipping costs to Japan declined 18.1 percent to 563,000 won. These figures reflect overall adjustments in freight prices reported by local exporters.

In contrast, shipping rates to the U.S. west coast rose 3.5 percent on-month to 5.15 million won in October. Costs for shipments to Vietnam increased 13.2 percent to 1.5 million won, indicating a divergence in freight movements depending on route and demand conditions.

The Korea Customs Service stated that the figures include freight charges, commissions and related costs submitted by exporters. The data provides an overview of shifting logistics expenses during a period of trade uncertainty and varied market activity across regions.