The price of container shipping has a significant impact on the price of containers. Fluctuations in shipping prices directly affect the demand and supply of containers, and then influence the prices of containers.

The specific impact mechanism of fluctuations in shipping prices on container prices:

1. Changes in demand: An increase in shipping prices will lead to an increase in the demand for containers, as more goods need to be transported by sea. The increase in demand will drive up the prices of containers. Conversely, a decrease in shipping prices will result in a reduction in the demand for containers, thereby lowering their prices.

2. Market supply and demand relationship: The supply and demand relationship in the shipping market is a core factor affecting the price of containers. When the demand for shipping increases, shipping companies need more containers to complete transportation tasks, which will lead to a tight supply and demand situation for containers and then push up prices. On the contrary, a decrease in shipping demand will lead to a balance between the supply and demand of containers and a price drop.

3. Economic cycle: The economic cycle of the shipping market also affects the price of containers. During an economic boom period, the demand for shipping increases and the price of containers rises; during an economic recession period, the demand for shipping decreases and the price of containers drops.

The composition and influencing factors of container prices:

1. Model and degree of newness or oldness: There are significant price differences among containers of different models and degrees of newness or oldness. For example, the price of a new 40-foot container is approximately between 25,000 and 40,000 yuan, while the price of a second-hand 40-foot container is between 15,000 and 25,000 yuan.

2. Functional differences: The prices of special containers such as refrigerated containers and open-top containers are usually higher than those of ordinary dry cargo containers. For example, the price of a new 20-foot refrigerated container is between 50,000 and 80,000 yuan, while the price of a new 40-foot refrigerated container is between 100,000 and 150,000 yuan.

3. Raw material costs: Containers are mainly made of steel, and fluctuations in steel prices will directly affect the manufacturing costs and prices of containers.

Case analysis:

Taking 2025 as an example, the impact of fluctuations in shipping prices on container prices is particularly obvious. For example, in May 2025, the price of 40-foot containers on the US shipping route saw a maximum increase of $3,000, mainly due to a surge in freight demand and tight shipping capacity. In the first half of 2025, global shipping prices dropped significantly, falling by more than 60% from last year's high point, which also affected the demand and price of containers.