Asia-Europe Container Freight Rates Reach 10-Month High

The Drewry World Container Index rose 2% to US$4,639 per 40‑ft container, the highest level since September 2024, as Asia‑Europe spot rates continued to climb. The Shanghai‑Rotterdam leg gained 5% to US$4,933 and Shanghai‑Genoa rose 2% to US$6,463 per box. Capacity remains tight, with only four blank sailings scheduled on the Asia‑Europe route for the coming week, prompting carriers to announce higher Freight All‑Kinds prices – CMA CGM targets US$7,000 to North Europe and US$7,900‑8,500 to the Mediterranean from 15 July, while MSC aims for US$7,700.

On the trans‑Pacific trade, Shanghai‑Los Angeles rates edged up 2% to US$6,482, and Shanghai‑New York held at US$7,904. Carriers plan general rate increases of US$2,000‑3,000 per box and peak‑season surcharges beginning mid‑July. Market volatility is heightened by renewed US‑Iran tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. Some forwarders report modest spot‑rate discounts of $100‑200 week‑on‑week, and a major vessel, the 18,300‑teu Majestic Maersk, has resumed Suez‑Canal transits, freeing additional capacity for other services.