The latest Drewry World Container Index (WCI) increased 6% this week to US$2,712 per 40ft container, marking the third consecutive weekly rise in freight rates.
The increase was mainly driven by stronger Asia-Europe spot rates ahead of the early peak season.
Freight rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam jumped 15% to US$2,773 per 40ft container, while rates from Shanghai to Genoa rose 10% to US$4,082 per 40ft container.
Drewry said higher demand and rising Freight All Kinds (FAK) rates supported the increase.
According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, carriers announced only three blank sailings on the Asia-Europe trade lane next week, indicating higher capacity deployment for peak season cargo.
CMA CGM has already announced new FAK levels effective from 1 June, with Asia-Europe rates around US$4,700 per 40ft container and Asia-Mediterranean rates between US$5,500 and US$5,700.
On the Transpacific trade, rates also increased slightly.
Shanghai-New York rates rose 2% to US$4,317 per 40ft container, while Shanghai-Los Angeles rates increased 1% to US$3,385.
Drewry noted that seven blank sailings are scheduled on the Transpacific route next week, tightening available capacity.
Ocean Network Express (ONE) also announced a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) of US$2,000 per 40ft container on eastbound Transpacific cargo from 1 June.
Drewry said East-West container freight markets are strengthening earlier than usual this year as carriers raise FAK levels and PSS charges while managing capacity through blank sailings.
The company also warned that ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to increase bunker costs and emergency fuel surcharges across global shipping routes.
