[REVISION HISTORY]

Global container freight rates fluctuate

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-28 04:45 UTC → 2026-08-28 21:16 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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. ~~During that time,~~ 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 ~~rates had jumped 10%~~ fell 2% to ~~$8,706 and~~ $9,333, while Shanghai to Los Angeles rates increased 6% to $6,244. Carriers had also been actively restricting capacity, recording 10 blank sailings in each of two consecutive weeks. Recent data from late August shows a cooling in several key lanes. Rates from remained stable at $6,818. On the Asia–Europe route, Shanghai to Rotterdam ~~fell~~ rates dropped 3% to $4,287, and Shanghai to ~~New York~~ Genoa rates ~~decreased by~~ fell 2% to ~~$9,333. Meanwhile, shipping costs from Shanghai~~ $4,866. Operational factors are influencing these market shifts. While blank sailings on the Transpacific route are expected to ~~Los Angeles remained stable~~ 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 ~~$6,818, as did rates~~ the Port of Shanghai saw a significant rise, increasing from ~~Los Angeles~~ 35 to ~~Shanghai at $822.~~ 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.

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