Container freight rates surged again this week as early peak season demand pushed prices higher across major East-West trade lanes.
The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) increased 23% week-on-week to US$3,433 per 40-foot container.
Drewry said stronger demand across Transpacific and Asia-Europe trades drove the sharp increase.
The company added that this year’s peak season started earlier than usual.
Transpacific routes recorded the largest gains.
Rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles jumped 31% to US$4,565 per 40-foot container.
Shanghai to New York rates increased 20% to US$5,505 per 40-foot container.
Drewry said carriers announced only three blank sailings for next week on Transpacific services.
The lower number of cancellations suggests carriers expect stronger cargo demand.
Shippers also continue bringing cargo forward ahead of possible US tariff changes expected in July.
Additional cargo linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has also supported volumes.
Carriers successfully implemented peak season surcharges (PSS) on eastbound Transpacific routes this month.
Asia-Europe trades also strengthened significantly.
Rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam increased 25% to US$3,579 per 40-foot container.
Shanghai to Genoa climbed 20% to US$5,089 per 40-foot container.
Drewry said demand shifted forward into June ahead of expected bunker fuel adjustments scheduled for July 1.
Carriers also implemented higher FAK rates and additional PSS measures.
Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk announced further surcharge increases effective June 8 and June 10.
These increases range between US$300-500 per 20-foot container and US$600-1,000 per 40-foot container.
The broader East-West market continues tightening.
Red Sea diversions are extending transit times and encouraging earlier ordering patterns.
Retailers are also increasing inventories ahead of Amazon Prime Day and mid-year promotional campaigns.
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue influencing market sentiment.
Higher bunker costs and fuel surcharges are adding additional pressure to freight rates.
Among other trade lanes, Rotterdam-Shanghai rates fell 5% to US$617 per 40-foot container.
Los Angeles-Shanghai declined 1% to US$783.
New York-Rotterdam slipped 1% to US$966.
Rotterdam-New York was the only westbound trade to increase, rising 5% to US$2,560.
Drewry expects upward pressure on freight rates to continue in the coming weeks as peak season demand strengthens further.
