Container rates slide for fourth week

With our large portfolio of international container shipping services for both LCL and FCL cargoes, we note that global container shipping rates fell for a fourth straight week last week, with Drewry’s composite container index sliding 7 percent to USD1,959 per 40-foot container as carriers face unexpectedly soft demand ahead of the Lunar New Year, which is normally one of the strongest shipping periods of the year.

The continued decline marks a clear break from seasonal norms. According to the Drewry World Container Index, spot rates fell across every major trade lane despite Chinese factory shutdowns approaching. Rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles dropped 8 percent to USD2,239 per feu, while Shanghai–New York slipped 5 percent to USD2,819 per feu.

“This downward trend highlights a significant shift in the market, as the traditional pre-Lunar New Year cargo rush is failing to materialise in 2026,” Drewry said.

Carriers have responded by pulling capacity at an unusually aggressive pace. Over the next three weeks, operators have cancelled 18, 27, and 28 sailings on transpacific routes, which is well above typical seasonal levels, according to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight.

Asia-Europe trades are showing similar weakness. Rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam fell 9 percent to USD2,164 per feu, while Shanghai–Genoa dropped 7 percent to USD3,048 per feu. Carriers have scheduled 9, 16, and 9 blank sailings on those routes over the same period as they brace for factory closures and rising market volatility.

The latest slide follows an already weak prior week, when the index stood at USD2,107 per feu after three consecutive weeks of declines driven by softening demand and uncertainty over Suez Canal transits.

Drewry analyst Philip Damas said the timing and scale of any broader return to Suez will be a key swing factor in 2026. “The return to the Suez Canal is one of this year’s key variables for capacity, freight rates, and transit times,” he said, noting that carriers are weighing security risks, insurance costs, competitor behaviour, and port congestion.

The industry remains split on risk tolerance. Days after Maersk moved back toward Suez, CMA CGM rerouted three Asia-Europe services around the Cape, citing “the complex and uncertain international context.”

“These conflicting decisions suggest capacity will return to the market gradually rather than all at once,” Drewry said, adding that a phased approach could limit the risk of a sharp spot-rate collapse.

Looking ahead, analysts continue to warn that global freight rates could fall by as much as 25 percent in 2026 as new vessel deliveries collide with softer demand, even if Red Sea conditions remain stable.

U-Freight continues to monitor developments in global container shipping lanes closely. We remain committed to supporting customers with reliable, flexible transport solutions across air, sea and multimodal services, helping navigate route changes and maintain resilience in international supply chains.

For expert advice or further information on our ocean freight services, please contact your local U-Freight office or visit the ocean freight section of this website.