Still Falling? Rate Hikes Are Already on the Way

Short summary:

Rates are still going down, but some increases are coming.

👉 Overall market

Freight rates dropped for the 3rd week in a row.

Now around USD 2,216 per 40ft container.

Main reason:

Low demand + too many ships = prices go down.

👉 Asia → Europe

Rates are still slowly dropping:

• Shanghai → Genoa: USD 3,039
• Shanghai → Rotterdam: USD 2,127

Carriers are cancelling sailings to control supply.

Capacity will reduce in May.

👉 Next week: likely stable (no big drop).

👉 Transpacific (to US)

Mixed situation:

• Shanghai → New York: down 2% (USD 3,483)
• Shanghai → Los Angeles: unchanged (USD 2,930)

But here’s the key👇

Carriers are adding surcharges:

• Fuel surcharge (EFS) increased
• Peak season surcharge (PSS) up to USD 2,000

👉 Next week: rates likely to increase.

👉 Middle East risk (Strait of Hormuz)

Still uncertain. Carriers are being cautious.

👉 Final takeaway:

Rates look weak now, but increases are being prepared behind the scenes.