Still Falling? Rate Hikes Are Already on the Way
Short summary:
Rates are still going down, but some increases are coming.
👉 Overall market
Freight rates dropped for the 3rd week in a row.
Now around USD 2,216 per 40ft container.
Main reason:
Low demand + too many ships = prices go down.
👉 Asia → Europe
Rates are still slowly dropping:
- Shanghai → Genoa: USD 3,039
- Shanghai → Rotterdam: USD 2,127
Carriers are cancelling sailings to control supply.
Capacity will reduce in May.
👉 Next week: likely stable (no big drop).
👉 Transpacific (to US)
Mixed situation:
- Shanghai → New York: down 2% (USD 3,483)
- Shanghai → Los Angeles: unchanged (USD 2,930)
But here’s the key👇
Carriers are adding surcharges:
- Fuel surcharge (EFS) increased
- Peak season surcharge (PSS) up to USD 2,000
👉 Next week: rates likely to increase.
👉 Middle East risk (Strait of Hormuz)
Still uncertain. Carriers are being cautious.
👉 Final takeaway:
Rates look weak now, but increases are being prepared behind the scenes.
30 Apr 2026
