Seoul: Container shipping costs from South Korea to major economies, including the United States, the European Union (EU), and China, dropped from a month earlier in October, the customs agency said Monday, amid trade uncertainties largely stemming from U.S. tariff policies.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the average shipping cost for a 40-foot container from South Korea to the U.S. east coast decreased 2.8 percent on-month to 5.34 million won (US$3,674) in October, marking the fourth consecutive month of decline.

Shipping rates to the EU fell 11.6 percent to 3.1 million won during the same period. Meanwhile, shipping costs to China and Japan experienced significant declines of 24.7 percent and 18.1 percent, reducing to 532,000 won and 563,000 won, respectively.

In contrast, shipping costs to the U.S. west coast increased by 3.5 percent on-month to 5.15 million won in October. Additionally, costs to Vietnam rose sharply by 13.2 percent to 1.5 million won.

The figures include freight rates, commissions, and other related charges as reported by local exporters, according to the agency.