# Global container freight rates fluctuate

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-container-freight-rates-surge
> Updated: 2026-08-28T04:20:01.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 5.

By late August 2026, the Drewry World Container Index entered a downward trend, decreasing by 1% to an average of $4,473 per 40-foot container. This shift follows a period of volatility in mid-August where Transpacific spot rates had driven the index upward.

As of August 28, the decline is primarily driven by lower costs on Transpacific and Asia–Europe trade routes. On the Transpacific route, rates from Shanghai to New York fell 2% to $9,333, while Shanghai to Los Angeles rates remained stable at $6,818. On the Asia–Europe route, Shanghai to Rotterdam rates dropped 3% to $4,287, and Shanghai to Genoa rates fell 2% to $4,866.

Operational factors are influencing these market shifts. While blank sailings on the Transpacific route are expected to decrease, suggesting a potential increase in capacity, the Asia–Europe route faces constrained capacity with more blank sailings announced for the upcoming week. Additionally, vessel waiting times at the Port of Shanghai saw a significant rise, increasing from 35 to 96 hours last week. Geopolitical uncertainties in the Strait of Hormuz and cautious re-evaluations of Suez Canal transits continue to impact global shipping routes.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-28: World container spot rates decline after three weeks of increases

The Drewry WorldContainer Index fell 1% to $4,473 per 40ft container, led by declines in Transpacific and Asia–Europe shipping rates despite rising congestion at Shanghai port.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/drewry-reports-1-drop-in-average-container-shipping-rates

### 2026-08-14: Drewry World Container Index rises as Transpacific rates climb

The Drewry World Container Index rose 1% to US$4,339, driven by a 10% spike in Shanghai-New York Transpacific rates and capacity restrictions via blank sailings.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/drewry-world-container-index-rises-as-transpacific-rates-climb

### 2026-07-17: Drewry World Container Index falls 2% as peak-season freight rates ease

The Drewry World Container Index dropped 2% to $4,547 per 40‑ft container, ending a ten‑week rise as peak‑season demand eases and carriers manage capacity amid geopolitical risks.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/drewry-world-container-index-falls-2-as-peak-season-freight-rates-ease

### 2026-07-10: Asia-Europe Container Freight Rates Reach 10-Month High

Container freight rates hit a 10‑month high, with Asia‑Europe spot rates near $5,000 per 40‑ft box and carriers planning further hikes amid limited capacity.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/asia-europe-container-freight-rates-reach-10-month-high

### 2026-07-06: Asia-US Container Freight Rates Hit $8,000 per FEU Amid Peak Season Surge

Asia‑U.S. container freight rates surged to $8,000 per FEU, driven by early peak‑season demand, but analysts warn the market may have peaked as capacity rises and oil price pressure eases.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/asia-us-container-freight-rates-hit-8000-per-feu-amid-peak-season-surge

---
Cite as: Global container freight rates fluctuate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-container-freight-rates-surge