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News Information

WEEK 30 Global Shipping Market Update

Publish Date: 2026/07/20   Views:

West Africa

Space: Tight

Rate Trend: For the last sailing of July, COSCO reduced freight rates by USD 75/150 to Central West Africa and USD 50/100 to North & South West Africa. CMA CGM will adjust its DG surcharge for East Africa to USD 200/400 effective 22 July, while the DG surcharge for West Africa remains at USD 150/300. Maersk rates are expected to remain stable. MSC lowered rates in mid-July and is maintaining them through the end of the month.

Freight rates in late July continue the downward trend seen in mid-July. However, major West African ports remain heavily congested, with container yards reaching capacity. Leading carriers continue to apply PCS (Port Congestion Surcharge), while fuel surcharges are increasing month by month. A shipping peak is expected in early August, with cargo demand remaining strong and space continuing to be tight. As infrastructure projects, home appliances, and consumer goods enter their peak shipping season in the second half of the year, overbookings and cargo rollovers are expected to remain common. Shippers are advised to book space well in advance to secure capacity.

East Africa

Space: Tight

Rate Trend: Beira Port remains severely congested. The ECS (Emergency Congestion Surcharge) has increased from USD 300 to USD 800 per container, effective 9 July, with port delays expected to exceed one month.

Inland transshipment remains challenging across East Africa, and all inland transfer charges and fuel surcharges are subject to reconfirmation upon cargo arrival. Freight rates remain at elevated levels, while vessel space is being booked much faster than usual. The market is expected to remain stable with a slight upward trend in Week 30, with no significant rate decline anticipated.

South Africa

Space: Ample

Rate Trend: Supported by Red Sea diversions and peak-season PSS, steady cargo demand has driven a modest increase in freight rates. Overall space availability remains sufficient, with only a limited number of popular sailings experiencing tight capacity. Freight rates are expected to fluctuate at relatively high levels with limited downside.

The availability of 40NOR (40' Non-Operating Reefer) containers for South Africa exports has increased. In Durban, the market rate for a 40NOR container is around USD 2,000 per container. For cargo that does not require standard dry containers, using 40NOR equipment can be an effective way to reduce shipping costs.

Thailand & Vietnam

Space: Stable

Rate Trend: Decrease by USD 15–30/TEU

Market Update: Export cargo on the Thailand/Vietnam route continues to decline, supply exceeds demand, freight rates moving downward

Indonesia

Space: +3%

Rate Trend: Decrease by USD 25–50/TEU

Market Update: Indonesia route destination customs clearance has not improved, demand for space decreased, market prices moving lower

Singapore & Malaysia

Space: +5%

Rate Trend: Decrease by USD 15–30/TEU

Market Update: Singapore/Malaysia route cargo volume has not changed significantly, space supply increased, freight rates moving downward

Philippines

Space: -6%

Rate Trend: Stable

Market Update: Philippines route export demand is average; space reduced due to port congestion; market prices maintained unchanged

Japan & Korea

Space: +3%

Rate Trend: Stable

Market Update: Japan/Korea route space supply and cargo export are relatively balanced, no significant increase in space demand, rates maintained

India

Space: Stable

Rate Trend: Decrease by USD 50–100/TEU

Market Update: India route cargo volume has not started to recover, space supply is sufficient, market competition is intense, prices adjusted further downward

Middle East

Space: Tight WK30–31

Rate Trend: Increase

Market Update: US-Iran conflict escalates, Strait of Hormuz closed again, capacity reduced in late July, space tight and rates up by around USD 300/300

Red Sea

Space: Tight WK30–31

Rate Trend: Increase

Market Update: JEDDAH severe congestion; carriers cannot berth and forced to cancel direct calls; already-sailed vessels may call at King Abdullah Port or Gizan Port; capacity reduced, Jeddah space significantly constrained, rates up significantly

Australia & New Zealand

Space: Stable

Rate Trend: Decrease

Market Update: Australia route export demand starting to decline, space supply and demand trending to balance, rates further adjusted downward; Australia West Coast cargo volume relatively flat, prices without major changes, transit port congestion intensified causing longer arrival transit time

Europe / Mediterranean

Space: Stable

Rate Trend: Decrease

Market Update: Europe & Mediterranean export demand starting to decline, space supply and demand balanced, rates continue to decrease

US West

Space: Ample

Rate Trend: Continued decrease

Market Update: US West market cargo volume weakening, July cumulative drop 21%, SCFI composite index ended 10 consecutive gains. Carriers released special-rate space, only specific cargo names eligible for low-price booking. WHL added US West extra loader on the 28th, space supply ample, booking options flexible. Late July rates still have room to decrease, August outlook not strongly bullish. Shippers with plans should pay close attention to per-vessel rate information

US East

Space: Ample

Rate Trend: Slight decrease

Market Update: US East route only dropped 9% in July, resilience mainly due to Panama restrictions + Red Sea diversion + long voyage causing lagged supply-demand adjustment. The USD 7,800–8,300 plateau is expected to last at least until the 7/24 tariff window. Customers with shipment needs should compare special-rate offers from various carriers and flexibly secure suitable space to reduce costs

South America West Coast / Mexico

Space: Ample

Rate Trend: Reduced by USD 300/300

Market Update: Capacity tight due to heavy cargo stockpiling. COSCO suspended South China calls on WSA6 from May. WSA4 WK30 OMIT ZLO / WSA5 WK30 Blank Sailing. WSA space tight recently, heavy containers require separate confirmation

Central America

Space: Ample

Rate Trend: Reduced by USD 300/300

Market Update: COSCO cargo to Balboa temporarily suspended. Cargo via Balboa to Central America (PUERTO CALDERA / CORINTO / SAN LORENZO) should be rerouted via Lazaro. COSCO PUERTO CALDER added CHANCAY transshipment, CORINTO / SAN LORENZO added BUENAVENTURA transshipment

Panama / Caribbean

Space: Tight

Rate Trend: Reduced by USD 400/400

Market Update: Due to geopolitical risks, Balboa-bound cargo remains suspended. In the Caribbean, cargo to SAN JUAN / PORT AU PRINCE remains suspended, while loading restrictions for other ports have been lifted. Currently due to Panama Canal water restrictions, heavy containers still need separate space reporting. Space tight, space-protection customers please confirm in advance

South America East Coast

Space: Ample

Rate Trend: Reduced by USD 200/200

Market Update: July demand gradually slowed due to tariff policy, space relatively ample, but need to clear stockpiled cargo, space protection subject to case-by-case confirmation. 40NOR demand large, space and equipment sufficient, cold-to-dry cargo can reserve space in advance. COSCO ESA: PNG cargo acceptance suspended due to stowage issues, please use ESA2 if needed; ROSARIO suspended due to feeder service issues


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