Although the 2026 container shipping market was expected to be calm, rising demand and geopolitical tensions have pushed freight rates to their highest level in the last two years.
According to sea-news.az the Drewry World Container Index approached 4,200 USD for a 40-foot container (FEU) last week. The indicator has increased by 40 percent compared to the same period last year. The rise is primarily driven by high demand from U.S. importers, increased shipments from China, limited shipping capacity, and the impact of the U.S.–Iran conflict.
Experts believe that one of the main reasons for this growth is the expectation that import duties in the U.S. will be raised again in the coming months. Consequently, importers are placing orders for the end-of-year holiday season in advance to take advantage of current rates.
As a result, the spot freight rate on the Shanghai–Los Angeles route increased by 12 percent in the last week alone, rising to 5,750 USD per 40-foot container. Additionally, sharp increases have been recorded in shipping rates from Southeast Asia to the U.S. West Coast.
However, analysts believe that this increase will not be long-term, and freight rates may decline once new customs duties come into effect.
