Container freight rates have fallen further as demand eases and shipping capacity increases. Drewry expects some additional downward pressure on the Asia–Europe trade next week, but geopolitical tensions, renewed insecurity in the Red Sea and uncertainty surrounding the new US tariffs continue to cloud the outlook.
Analysis|Published: Jul 22, 2026
The price rally in oil continues this week. According to international media, Tehran and Washington want to resume the peace talks, but there is still no sign of de-escalation. Read more here.
Analysis|Published: Jul 21, 2026
The oil price rally continued this week. According to international media, Tehran and Washington are seeking to resume peace negotiations, but there is still no sign of de-escalation. For the tenth consecutive day, the US has carried out strikes on Iran, while Tehran continues to target US interests in the region. Meanwhile, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have announced a naval blockade of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a route Saudi Arabia uses as an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz.
Analysis|Published: Jul 17, 2026
Drewry’s World Container Index fell by 2% this week after nine consecutive weeks of increases. Rates from Shanghai to Genoa and Shanghai to Los Angeles both declined by 3%, while the Shanghai–Rotterdam route slipped by 1%.
Analysis|Published: Jul 10, 2026
Spot container rates continue to edge higher, although the pace of the increases is slowing. With the seasonal demand peak expected to ease in the coming weeks, freight rates could stabilise. However, renewed tensions involving Iran have once again increased uncertainty over shipping costs and global supply chains.
Analysis|Published: Jul 7, 2026
Oil is showing no signs of falling below $70 per barrel. But despite three new attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, the price remains fairly stable. Read more about the energy market here.
