Xeneta Weekly Ocean Container Shipping Market Update: Rates on the Rise
Global ocean container shipping spot rates are surging across all major fronthaul trades, with Far East to US West Coast rates up +253% since the pre-Strait of Hormuz crisis baseline at end of February 2026, driven by strong peak season demand and ongoing Middle East uncertainty. Carriers are rapidly deploying record capacity on the Transpacific, but rates are expected to continue rising at least through mid-July 2026.