Market news
Carrier rates, ocean and air freight, and the trade developments behind them, for importers and exporters between Europe and Asia.
Port congestion is absorbing roughly 12% of global container ship capacity, the highest share in four years, according to C.H. Robinson. Waiting times at Shanghai and Ningbo remain long, though analysts expect Golden Week to ease backlogs.
Suez Canal transits are up sharply year on year as more container services return, adding Asia–Europe capacity. Meanwhile, new attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz keep Gulf routings and rates under pressure.
Tashkent-based My Freighter plans to add two aircraft this month and two more by year-end as it expands its China–Central Asia–Europe network. A dedicated cargo terminal in Tashkent is due to open in November or December.
C.H. Robinson expects October air demand out of Asia to be led by technology and industrial cargo rather than e-commerce, with main-deck freighter space the main pressure point. Transatlantic capacity is available but pricing remains firm.
flydubai Cargo began scheduled and charter freighter operations in October with three Boeing 737-800 freighters based at Al Maktoum International. The first routes serve the Gulf, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan and India.
The EU's overhaul of the Union Customs Code is expected to enter into force around now, though most of its substantive rules will apply only about a year later. Importers trading between Asia and Europe should use the coming months to prepare their customs data and processes.
Drewry's Intra-Asia Container Index rose 2% to $1,518 per 40ft, led by lanes from China to Southeast Asia and the transhipment hubs, while congestion at Shanghai and Ningbo continued.
Drewry's WCI fell 1% to $4,434 per 40ft on 1 October, with Shanghai–Rotterdam and Shanghai–Genoa down again. Carriers plan higher FAK rates after Golden Week, but whether they will stick is unclear.
Xeneta says Far East–US spot rates reached their 2026 peak with a small rise on 1 October and expects a sizeable correction but not a collapse. Transatlantic rates from North Europe also eased.
Xeneta says global air cargo volumes grew 6% year on year in September, and more shippers are choosing shorter contracts and floating rates. China–Europe e-commerce flows remain weak after the EU introduced a charge on low-value parcels.
