Container rates expected to surge in coming weeks

The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) was up three per cent to US$3,549 per 40-ft container for the week of June 8-12 due to rate increases on the Transpacific and Asia–Europe trade routes.

Drewry said it has received confirmation from multiple sources that this year’s peak season began earlier than usual, which is supporting stronger demand and higher freight rates.

On the Transpacific trade route, spot rates climbed again this week, with Shanghai to New York rising seven per cent to US$5,870 per 40-ft container and Shanghai to Los Angeles increasing three per cent to US$4,683. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, only three blank sailings have been announced on the Transpacific trade route for the next week, indicating relatively stable capacity.

Demand is supported by shippers bringing forward bookings ahead of potential U.S. tariff changes expected in July and additional cargo demand linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Maersk has announced a peak season surcharge (PSS) of US$1,000 per 20-ft and US$2,000 per 40-ft container, effective June 17. With peak season underway and growing seasonal demand, Drewry expects rates to surge in the coming weeks.

On the Asia–Europe trade route, spot rates increased this week, amid early peak season demand. Freight rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam rose five per cent to US$3,768 per 40-ft container and those from Shanghai to Genoa edged up one per cent to US$5,139.

Demand is being pulled forward into June ahead of the expected July 1 bunker fuel adjustment, supporting stronger shipment flows. Early peak season has prompted further rate increases on the Asia–Europe trade, with carriers continuing to announce higher freight-all-kinds (FAKs) and PSS. MSC has announced higher FAKs, effective June 15, at US$6,000 per 40-ft container on Asia–North Europe and US$6,500 on Asia–West Med trade. CMA CGM and ONE have also announced PSS ranging from US$500–US$600 per 20-ft container, effective June 15. Drewry expects rates to rise further in the coming weeks.

East–West container freight markets have been strengthening as the peak season arrives earlier than usual this year. Continued Red Sea diversions are extending transit times and encouraging importers to place orders earlier to ensure cargo arrives ahead of the traditional peak season. Retailers are also replenishing inventories earlier than normal in preparation for major sales events, including Amazon Prime Day and TikTok’s mid-year promotions in June and July. At the same time, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to influence market sentiment, with higher bunker fuel costs and fuel surcharges exerting additional upwards pressure on freight rates. These developments are also contributing to rising raw material costs, as reflected by China’s PMI Prices of Purchased Materials Index, which has remained elevated since the conflict began and currently stands at 60.5 points.