In the first week of June, global container freight rates collectively surged.
The Drewry World Container Index jumped 231 TP3T in a single week, reaching 1 TP4T at 3,433/FEU. The trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe routes saw the most significant increases—Shanghai to Los Angeles freight rates rose 311 TP3T in a week, exceeding 1 TP4T at 4,565/FEU; Shanghai to New York rose 201 TP3T, reaching 1 TP4T at 5,505.
The Asia-Europe route also saw a significant increase: Shanghai to Rotterdam rose by 251 TP3T to 1 TP4T 3,579, and to Genoa by 201 TP3T to 1 TP4T 5,089.
Why did the peak season arrive so early this year?
Three reasons combined:
1. Shipping companies are increasingly charging peak season surcharges (PSS).
Starting June 1st, major shipping companies have successively increased surcharges:
- CMA CGM: Asia-Europe Line $500/TEU
- MSC: Asia-Europe Line $3,900/TEU
- Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk: $300–1,000/TEU (effective from June 8–10)
According to Freightos data, after the GRI took effect on June 1, the daily rates for Asia-Europe and trans-Pacific routes jumped by 1,000–1,800/FEU in a single day.
2. Expectations of US tariffs drive early shipments.
Importers are rushing to ship goods ahead of the potential implementation of new tariffs in July. The USTR just announced its Section 301 tariff proposal targeting 60 economies on June 2nd, and there is still uncertainty before the temporary tariffs expire on July 24th. This rush to export has directly driven up demand for shipping space.
3. The situation in the Middle East is driving up fuel costs.
With the Strait of Hormuz closed for nearly 100 days, shipping companies continue to detour, resulting in high fuel costs, which are being passed on to cargo owners through various surcharges.
A quick overview of fares for various routes
| route | Current freight rates | Weekly increase |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai → Los Angeles | $4,565/FEU | +31% |
| Shanghai → New York | $5,505/FEU | +20% |
| Shanghai → Rotterdam | $3,579/FEU | +25% |
| Shanghai → Genoa | $5,089/FEU | +20% |
| Asia → US West Coast (FBX) | ~$3,200/FEU | +1% |
| Asia → Eastern United States (FBX) | ~$5,000/FEU | +4% |
What will happen next?
Drewry expects freight rates to continue rising. Daily rates on the Asia-Europe route have already exceeded the peak season rates of June-July last year, while the trans-Pacific route is still about $1,000/FEU away from the peak of July last year, but based on the current trend, it will catch up soon.
In addition, the EU will impose a flat fee of €3 on low-priced imported goods in July, followed by a €2 processing fee in November. DHL, FedEx, and UPS have warned that the EU customs system is not yet ready and may cause border delays.
What can people in foreign trade do now?
- Lock in bookings and fares as early as possibleTo avoid being forced to accept higher additional fees
- Book 2-3 weeks in advanceEspecially the US and European lines
- Pay attention to the tariff developments in July.Reasonably arrange the shipment schedule
- Check the latest shipping costs:CZL shipping cost inquiry
- Check remote area surcharges:CZL Remote Area Inquiry
Reference source
- Drewry World Container Index: https://www.drewry.co.uk/supply-chain-advisors/supply-chain-expertise/world-container-index-assessed-by-drewry
- Freightos Baltic Index – June 2, 2026 Update: https://www.freightos.com/freight-industry-updates/weekly-freight-updates/container-rates-starting-to-spike-on-peak-season-rush-june-2-2026-update
- Seatrade Maritime: https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/containers/container-peak-season-arrives-early-as-freight-rates-skyrocket
- ICIS: https://www.icis.com/explore/resources/news/2026/06/05/11214805/asia-us-container-rates-soar-on-demand-surge-as-volumes-pulled-forward-to-beat-tariffs