The global container shipping market has seen a sharp increase in freight rates, as the peak season has started earlier than expected this year. According to consultancy firm Drewry, the World Container Index (WCI) rose by 23% within a week, reaching $3,433 per 40-foot container (FEU) as of June 4.
According to sea-news.az citing Seanews.az, that the strongest increases were recorded on the Asia–Europe and Trans-Pacific routes. Freight rates on the Shanghai–Los Angeles route rose by 31%, while the Shanghai–Rotterdam corridor saw a 25% increase over the week.
Analysts say the early peak season, port congestion, carrier capacity management, and rerouting away from the Red Sea have reduced available shipping capacity, pushing prices upward. At the same time, the number of idle container vessels has fallen to historic lows, further tightening supply in the market.
Experts predict that freight rates may continue to rise in the coming weeks on both Asia–Europe and Trans-Pacific routes. This trend is considered positive for major shipping companies such as Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and ZIM, whose container shipping revenues have recently declined.
