The recovery in Transpacific headhaul rates proved short-lived. After rebounding last week from a low not seen since January 2025, spot rates declined again this week. Rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles fell 7 per cent to $2,103 per 40-foot container, while those to New York dropped 5 per cent to $2,756.
According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, blank sailings on the Transpacific trade lane increased this week and are projected to rise further, with 12 cancellations already announced for next week. Although carriers are stepping up cancellations to support falling spot rates, the strategy is proving ineffective due to weak volumes. As most Christmas inventory was shipped in November, there is currently insufficient cargo to sustain freight rates. Consequently, Drewry expects rates to soften slightly in the coming week.
Spot rates on the Shanghai–Genoa route recorded a double-digit increase, rising 13 per cent to $3,004 per 40-foot container, while Shanghai–Rotterdam rates climbed 5 per cent to $2,361.
Unlike the Transpacific trade lane, spot rates on the Asia–Europe route have maintained stable or rising levels for four consecutive weeks. This strength reflects a shift in seasonal patterns. Over the past three years, Drewry has observed double-digit month-on-month demand growth in December, establishing strong year-end volumes as the ‘new normal’. With the Lunar New Year falling in February 2026, carriers are already seeing early bookings, prompting Drewry to forecast further modest rate increases next week.
Rates from New York to Rotterdam rose 3 per cent to $942, while Rotterdam to New York rates remained steady at $1,636. Rates between Rotterdam and Shanghai increased 1 per cent to $465, while Los Angeles to Shanghai eased 1 per cent to $709 per 40-foot container.
ALCHEMPro News Desk (KUL)
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