Xeneta weekly ocean container shipping market update – 21.08.26

The Xeneta Weekly Ocean Container Shipping Market Update offers a comprehensive analysis of the latest freight rate and capacity movements across global trades, with insights from Peter Sand, Xeneta's Chief Analyst. One key finding is the significant difference in spot rates between importing into the US East Coast and the US West Coast, with the former being USD 3,334 per FEU (40ft container) more expensive than the latter.

This spread is greater than the total cost of shipping one container into either coast before the Middle East crisis in February.

The report highlights that importing into the US West Coast could offer dramatic savings potential, even if it requires more reliance on truck and rail to reach the final destination. The situation is further complicated by a split in global trade patterns, with Europe-bound fronthauls from the Far East softening while US trades continue to rise. Spot rates to the US East Coast have increased nearly 300% compared to pre-Middle East crisis levels, demonstrating the negotiating strength carriers currently have.

However, European trades show signs of softening, suggesting a ceiling in spot rates, especially in North Europe and the Mediterranean. The report emphasizes that uncertainty is toxic for supply chains, with rates in the US still heading upwards due to the perceived invincibility of US carriers. Nonetheless, US shippers are encouraged to consider negotiating lower rates with European carriers, as carriers in the region are not invincible and rates can potentially be reduced.