Global container shipping prices have risen sharply since 2026, and the upward momentum continued as of early June, mainly due to the combined effects of multiple factors:

Core Price Data

Comprehensive Index: As of June 5, 2026, the China Containerized Freight Index (CCFI) rose from an average of 1197.27 points in January to 1411.60 points, a cumulative increase of approximately 17.9% year-to-date; the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) reached 2726.48 points, a near two-year high, and has risen for five consecutive weeks.

Mainstream Shipping Rates:

* Trans-Pacific Routes: Spot freight rates for 40-foot containers (FEU) from Shanghai to Los Angeles rose 31% to $4,565, while those from Shanghai to New York increased by 20% to $5,505.

* European Routes: On June 8th, the Shanghai Export Container Settlement Freight Index reached 2500.89 points, a 22.71% increase compared to the previous period. Freight rates from Shanghai Port to major European ports reached $2,605/TEU.

* Regional Specialty Routes: On the UAE to Novorossiysk, Russia route, the price of a 20-foot container increased 2.7 times from February to early June to $10,360.

Main Reasons for the Price Increase

Geopolitical Conflicts Disrupt Supply Chains: 

The obstruction of passage through the Strait of Hormuz in the Middle East and the ongoing Red Sea crisis have forced many ships to detour around the Cape of Good Hope, directly lengthening transit times, consuming additional capacity, and driving up marine fuel costs. Fuel prices have surged by nearly 70%, directly passing the cost pressure on to shippers.

The traditional peak season started early this year. 

The peak shipping season began 1-2 months earlier than usual. To mitigate potential tariff risks and prepare for mid-year sales events (such as Amazon Prime Day), European and American importers replenished their inventories early, leading to a concentrated release of cargo and a surge in short-term demand.

Structural contraction in shipping capacity. 

2026 is a relatively slow year for new ship deliveries, resulting in limited new capacity. Meanwhile, shipping companies are proactively suspending sailings to control capacity, and detours and port congestion further reduce container turnover efficiency. Approximately one-third of global containers are being transported empty, further compressing effective cargo space.

Shipping companies are collectively raising prices. 

Leading shipping companies such as Maersk, MSC, and CMA CGM have issued a series of price increase notices, raising overall rates and peak season surcharges starting June 1st. Many shipping companies plan to further increase prices in July, further pushing up freight rates.

Future Trend Forecast

Market institutions generally expect the upward momentum of this price increase to continue at least until the end of July 2026, with the highest price on the Europe route potentially reaching $6,500-7,000 per femt unit (FEU). 

If the geopolitical situation does not improve significantly, freight rates are unlikely to return to levels seen at the beginning of the year, and the tight balance is expected to persist for several months.