Inteligencia de mercado
Global Container Market Update — August 12, 2026
As of 2026-08-12 (UTC) · Auto-generated daily brief
The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) rose by 1% to $4,297 per 40ft container, driven by Transpacific rate increases (Drewry). Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Iran and the US, have led to Emergency Fuel Surcharges (Drewry). Port congestion in central and south China continues to constrain capacity, affecting freight rates (Drewry).
Global Market Overview
The container shipping market saw a rebound in rates, particularly on the Transpacific routes, where spot rates increased due to firm volumes and successful implementation of General Rate Increases (GRIs). Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, especially between Iran and the US, have introduced new risks to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Port congestion in central and south China remains a significant operational challenge, constraining capacity and supporting rate increases.
- Transpacific rates drive overall market rate increases.
- Middle East tensions introduce new shipping risks.
- Chinese port congestion constrains capacity.
Container Freight Rates
The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) increased by 1% to $4,297 per 40ft container, marking a recovery after three weeks of decline. Transpacific routes saw notable rate increases, with Shanghai to New York up 4% and Shanghai to Los Angeles up 3%. Asia-Europe rates remained stable, with slight decreases on some routes.
| Trade lane / index | Latest / signal | Change | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drewry World Container Index | USD 4,297 per 40 ft | +1% | Drewry WCI assessment |
| Shanghai–Los Angeles | USD 5,894 per 40 ft | +3% | Drewry WCI assessment |
| Shanghai–New York | USD 7,893 per 40 ft | +4% | Drewry WCI assessment |
| Shanghai–Genoa | USD 5,506 per 40 ft | -2% | Drewry WCI assessment |
| Shanghai–Rotterdam | USD 4,653 per 40 ft | 0% | Drewry WCI assessment |
Port Operations
Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach have not released new TEU figures for this cycle. The Port of Rotterdam reported a decline in bunker volumes by 25.1% in the first half of 2026. No specific throughput data was available for the Port of Hamburg at this time.
Container Availability
Container availability remains constrained due to ongoing port congestion in central and south China, which limits capacity and supports higher freight rates. No specific depot inventory data is available.
Shipping Lines
No material verified updates from major shipping lines were available this cycle.
Supply Chain Risks
The resumption of hostilities between Iran and the US has increased uncertainty over shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Carriers have responded by introducing Emergency Fuel Surcharges (EFS) from August. Additionally, eight blank sailings are scheduled for next week, indicating stable capacity management.
Container Price Trends
Ocean freight rates have shown an upward trend, particularly on Transpacific routes. No verified updates on container equipment prices or leasing demand were available.
| Segment | Latest / signal | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean freight rates | Upward | Driven by Transpacific rate increases |
| Intra-Asia rates | Sin actualización pública verificada | No verified data available |
| New / One Trip containers | Sin actualización pública verificada | No verified data available |
| Used containers | Sin actualización pública verificada | No verified data available |
| Leasing demand | Sin actualización pública verificada | No verified data available |
| Empty repositioning | Sin actualización pública verificada | No verified data available |
Expert Market Assessment
Short-term market conditions are expected to remain volatile due to geopolitical tensions and port congestion. Medium-term stability may improve as carriers continue to manage capacity through blank sailings.
- Opportunities: Potential for rate stabilization as capacity management continues.
- Risks: Geopolitical tensions and port congestion may disrupt supply chains.
Public and official sources only. Licensed market desks are not included until contracted. Numeric rates are shown only when verified in the source bundle — never estimated.