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News Information

WEEK 21 Global Shipping Market Update

Publish Date: 2026/05/18   Views:

West Africa

Space: Tight
Rate Trend: Cargo volume continues to rise in mid-to-late May, with some blank sailings keeping space tight. Fuel prices have surged for a second consecutive round, driving freight rates higher. Rate changes vary:
- CMA CGM: +USD 300/600 - MSC: +USD 600/800 (Central & South), +USD 200/400 (North) - Maersk: +USD 200/400 - COSCO: -USD 300/600
Early booking is strongly recommended.

East Africa

Space: Tight
Rate Trend: Cargo volume is gradually increasing and freight rates are under upward pressure. Space is tightening progressively. Overall rates remain firm at elevated levels.

South Africa

Space: Ample
Rate Trend: Peak season continues with rising cargo volumes and stable-to-slightly-higher freight rates. Bunker surcharges are adding to costs. 40NOR dry reefer containers are increasingly available at approximately USD 500 below standard dry rates.

Thailand & Vietnam

Space: +5%
Rate Trend: + USD 15–30/TEU
Update: Post-holiday shipments continue climbing, expected to extend through late May. Space supply is tight and market rates are rising.

Indonesia

Space: +3%
Rate Trend: + USD 25–50/TEU
Update: Indonesian export cargo continues to increase. Port turnover efficiency remains low, supporting continued upward pressure on rates.

Singapore & Malaysia

Space: -3%
Rate Trend: Stable
Update: Port congestion in Singapore and Malaysia has begun to ease. Overall cargo volume is stable with balanced supply and demand, keeping rates flat.

Philippines

Space: Stable
Rate Trend: + USD 20–30/TEU
Update: Philippine import cargo is increasing, driving space supply tighter. Market rates are rising accordingly.

Japan & Korea

Space: Stable
Rate Trend: Stable
Update: Capacity supply remains adequate, port operations normal, cargo volume steady. Rates unchanged.

India

Space: -7%
Rate Trend: + USD 50–100/TEU
Update: Indian cargo volume is picking up while space supply is declining, creating a tight market. Rates are rising sharply.

Middle East

Space: Tight
Rate Trend: Increase
Update: The ongoing geopolitical conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt transit routes. FUJAIRAH and KHOR AL FAKKAN are currently serving as transshipment hubs for access to the Persian Gulf.
With the peak season approaching, rates have edged higher. Direct services to KHOR AL FAKKAN and SOHAR are currently maintained at around USD 5,000–6,150.

Red Sea

Space: Tight
Rate Trend:  Increase
Update:  Peak season demand across multiple trade lanes has tightened overall capacity, leaving no additional vessels available for deployment. Carriers are controlling space to support freight rates and actively reducing supply. Rates have surged significantly, with increases of around USD 1,500–2,000.
Direct services to JEDDAH are currently maintained at around USD 6,100/7,400, while transshipment services remain around USD 3,950/5,300.

Australia & New Zealand

Space: Stable
Rate Trend: Increasing
Update: Australia continues to face tight space due to accumulated cargo backlog. Freight rates remain elevated and trending upward. West Australia remains balanced with unchanged rates.

Europe & Mediterranean

Space: Decreased
Rate Trend: Increasing
Update: Europe and Mediterranean cargo volumes are rising with sustained space tightness. Carriers continue to push rate increases. June rates expected to rise by USD 500–1,000.

U.S. East Coast

Rate Trend: Continuously rising
Update: May end-of-month is severely affected by blank sailings, with only ONE Nue sailing on the 27th available for booking. Accumulated rolled cargo from earlier delays is piling up. Multiple carriers have launched emergency space recovery and batch-roll control measures. Small container space is extremely tight, and carriers have suspended all port-of-destination and container-type change requests. Recommendation: Quotes must include rate hike buffer; avoid long-term low-price commitments. Prioritize direct express services.

U.S. West Coast

Rate Trend: Steadily rising
Update: Pre-peak season is now underway. Mid-to-late May cargo volume continues to climb with gradually tightening space. Recurring LA/LB port congestion and truck shortages are driving up detention and demurrage costs. Additional surcharges remain elevated. Rates still have upward momentum. Recommendation: Secure space early and lock in quotes now; avoid betting on rate drops. Priority to fast vessel space; slow vessels may offer limited room for negotiation as space tightens later in the week.

South America West / Mexico

Rate Trend: Increase by USD 500/500
Space: Overbooked
Update: Capacity tight with high cargo accumulation. Space protection shipments require advance confirmation. WSA6 omitting South China calls from May — please adjust cargo plans. WSA vessel capacity remains tight; heavy containers require separate confirmation.

Central America

Rate Trend: Increase by USD 500/500
Space: Overbooked
Update: COSCO has suspended Balboa-bound cargo acceptance. Cargo transshipping via Balboa to Central America (Puerto Caldera / Corinto / San Lorenzo) should be routed via Lazaro. COSCO Puerto Caldera adds Chancay transshipment routing; Corinto and San Lorenzo add Buenaventura transshipment routing.

Panama / Caribbean

Rate Trend: Increase by USD 500/500
Space: Overbooked
Update: Due to geopolitical factors, COSCO has suspended Balboa-bound shipments. San Juan and Port-au-Prince are now suspended; other Caribbean ports are open for booking. Heavy containers still require prior approval and space confirmation.

South America East

Rate Trend: Increase by USD 1,000/1,000
Space: Overbooked
Update: Tariff-related demand surge in May has created severe space shortages. Space protection shipments require per-booking confirmation. 40NOR containers remain relatively available; refrigerated-to-dry conversions can be pre-booked. COSCO has suspended Rosario feeder service. Rio de Janeiro faces blanking and Singapore transshipment rollover risks.


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