Freight Rate Update, August 10, 2026

Global container freight rates showed a mixed performance last week, with some major trade routes recording gains while others remained under pressure. According to Freightos FBX data, the Global Container Freight Index rose 2% week on week to $3,690 per 40ft container, reversing the decline seen in the previous week.

Transpacific freight rates were generally firmer, with China-to-North America services continuing to strengthen. Backhaul routes also showed overall improvement. Meanwhile, Suez-linked trade lanes remained weaker, especially on routes from China to Europe, although the pace of decline slowed compared with the previous week.

Market conditions remained highly volatile as hopes for a recovery in traffic through the Strait of Hormuz faded. Renewed geopolitical tensions, continued tanker attacks and a sharp drop in vessel traffic have raised concerns about prolonged disruption. Security risks around the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb also remain a concern, although some container carriers have resumed limited transit through the region.

On Asia-Europe routes, freight rates continued to decline as the early peak season lost momentum. Carriers responded by increasing blank sailings and reducing planned rate hikes. Despite the recent correction, rates remain well above pre-peak-season levels. Port congestion in the Far East and low water levels on the Rhine are also providing some support to freight markets.

Among the major routes, the strongest weekly increase was recorded on the China/East Asia to North America West Coast route, where rates rose 9%. The North America East Coast to China/East Asia route increased 8%, while rates from the North America East Coast to North Europe gained 6%. On the downside, the North America West Coast to China/East Asia route fell 6%, followed by the Mediterranean to China/East Asia route, down 5%, and the China/East Asia to Mediterranean route, which declined 4%.

Pacific Routes

China/East Asia → North America West Coast
Freight: $7,422 per 40ft container
Weekly Change: ▲ 9%

North America West Coast → China/East Asia
Freight: $353 per 40ft container
Weekly Change: ▼ 6%

China/East Asia → North America East Coast
Freight: $9,422 per 40ft container
Weekly Change: ▲ 3%

North America East Coast → China/East Asia
Freight: $523 per 40ft container
Weekly Change: ▲ 8%

Suez Routes

China/East Asia → North Europe
Freight: $5,009 per 40ft container
Weekly Change: ▼ 1%

North Europe → China/East Asia
Freight: $531 per 40ft container
Weekly Change: ▲ 2%

China/East Asia → Mediterranean
Freight: $5,830 per 40ft container
Weekly Change: ▼ 4%

Mediterranean → China/East Asia
Freight: $432 per 40ft container
Weekly Change: ▼ 5%

Atlantic Routes

North America East Coast → North Europe
Freight: $469 per 40ft container
Weekly Change: ▲ 6%

North Europe → North America East Coast
Freight: $2,240 per 40ft container
Weekly Change: No Change

Europe → South America East Coast
Freight: $1,254 per 40ft container
Weekly Change: ▲ 1%

Europe → South America West Coast
Freight: $2,466 per 40ft container
Weekly Change: No Change

Geopolitical risks around the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, along with carrier capacity management and ongoing operational disruptions, are expected to keep global freight markets volatile in the coming weeks.

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