Global Freight Market Update from China — September 2026 | SINO Shipping
LA
Lucas Arillotta
Graduate of IPAG Business School & Yunnan University — International Business & Logistics
Last updated on
The essentials of the article
  • 📊 Average vs. Median Split: Global sea freight rates soared 15.3% on average, yet the median climbed just 1.5%—a sharp divergence driven by extreme surges on select lanes (101 up, 84 down, 11 flat), with Latin America and Asia distorting the global picture.
  • 🌎 Divergent lanes: Europe’s rates stayed flat as typhoons and Shanghai port disruptions erased sailings, trapping correction; meanwhile, South America’s tight Q3 volumes drove prices up as much as 82%, with Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, and Ecuador all surging.
  • 🌕 Golden Week countdown: With Mid-Autumn Festival and Golden Week back-to-back, Chinese factories and trucking pause after 20 September—leaving just 15 working days to ship Q4 inventory. Secure ocean cargo before 15 September; late orders should pivot to China-Europe rail.

SINO Shipping Global Market Monthly Update — September 2026

September 2026 at a glance: Ocean freight rates diverged sharply: the global 40GP average climbed +15.3% while the median rose just +1.5%, reflecting a split market as 101 destinations increased, 84 decreased, and 11 were flat. The Americas saw the steepest rise, with the average up +50.9% and all 35 lanes higher—no declines or flats—while air fell -5.4%. Europe’s ocean average dropped -14.1% (1 up, 35 down, 9 flat), air -1.7%. Africa was nearly flat, ocean -1.2% (21 up, 32 down, 1 flat), air +0.7%. Middle East ocean surged +27.7% (6 up, 7 down, 0 flat), air -2.7%. Asia’s ocean average jumped +29.4% (25 up, 9 down, 1 flat), air -3.9%. Oceania rose +22.1% (13 up, 1 down, 0 flat), air +5.3%. Key lanes: North Europe (Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, UK) held steady at $4,095–5,005; France edged up +2%. Italy dropped -21% ($4,185–5,115), Spain -19%, Denmark -30%, Czech Republic -21%. South America led price gains: Colombia +82% ($8,190–10,010), Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador +54%, Chile and Mexico +46%, Canada +7.5%, US +46%. Saudi Arabia soared +76% ($11,655–14,245), air now $5.50/kg. Kuwait $11,628–14,212, UAE/Qatar/Oman/Bahrain +25%. Sri Lanka +95%, Vietnam +75%, India and Pakistan +60%, Philippines -53%, Thailand -22%. Asia-Europe spot rates fell seven weeks, but typhoon disruptions (Shanghai 4.42 days average vessel wait, 2.4m TEU affected) triggered port omissions and blank sailings, limiting correction. South America’s volume pushed prices higher. With Mid-Autumn Festival and Golden Week closing factories after 20 September, just 15 working days remain to move Q4 inventory. Ocean cargo must reach warehouses by 15 September; missed deadlines favor China-Europe rail. Eight carriers posted Q2 operating profit of $2.7bn, +58.2% year on year—no pressure to discount space.

📊
August broad decline, two exceptions

Most lanes rose: Americas +51%, Asia +29%, Oceania +22%. Europe fell −14%, Africa −1%. Air eased: down into Europe and the Americas, up into Oceania. Indicators below — confirm with a firm quote at booking.

📈
The surge arrives
Europe −14% · Americas −16% · Asia −13%
101 of 196 destinations higher as September's tightness drives rates — book while it holds
🀄
Capacity eases east
Sri Lanka +95% · Vietnam +75% · India +60%
Spring front-loading has fully unwound — the broadest buyer's window of the year
📦
Air flat-to-down
Air ≈ 0.9–1.1× MoM
An ocean capacity-and-demand event, not a cross-mode fuel shock

🔍 Why rates moved

🧾
September surge drives rates CMA CGM and Maersk peak-season surcharges ended; Europe −14% as lanes gave back the July increase, but most lanes remain above their June base
Strait of Hormuz risk Middle East lanes unchanged; Hormuz risk premium persists and does not decay with the surcharge cycle
📦
Ocean rates ease, air splits Ocean rates fell broadly; air rates diverged — down into Europe, up across the LATAM Atlantic
📉
Q3 tightness lifts Asia Asia lanes surged as Q3 demand tightened; Sri Lanka +95%, Vietnam +75%, India +60%. Most lanes are above their June base

⚡ What to do now

📈 Lock the western lanes Oceania, Europe and the Americas are firming — secure allocation and 2–3 weeks validity before the surcharges compound
🀄 Buy the eastern dip Asia has surged in September (Sri Lanka +95%, Vietnam +75%, India and Pakistan +60%, Philippines −53%, Thailand −22%) — these lanes now show significant increases compared to their June base
Watch Hormuz & Saudi Saudi Arabia rose 76% to $11,655–14,245 while its air rate eased to $5.50/kg from $6.90; that premium is deflating rather than spreading beyond it — quote GCC lanes fresh at booking
📊
Indicative pricing — confirm at booking

July split the map — western lanes firmed on risk and carrier surcharges while eastern lanes eased. Prices below are indicative — request a firm quote with 2–3 weeks validity before confirming, and quote the Gulf lanes fresh given the live Strait of Hormuz risk premium.

Source: SINO Shipping quotes, carrier filings, EAA Network. Rates are typical ex-China FCL/air spot unless noted.

From our China desk — voices on the ground

Beyond the numbers, here is what our China-side team is seeing this month — the human read behind July's split map, straight from the people booking space with carriers every day.

Found Chen, SINO Shipping China desk
Found Chen
Marketing · SINO South-China desk
🇪🇺 Europe focus
  • The 1 July surcharge round did the lifting: CMA CGM and Maersk pushed their peak-season surcharges into North Europe from the 1st (roughly $500/$1,000/$1,000 per 20'/40'/40HQ), and its lapse is what Europe gave back in September: −14% overall, with France +2%, the base ports unchanged and Poland unchanged.
  • Empty boxes are stuck on the coast: empty-container repositioning has stalled at Shanghai, Ningbo and Shenzhen while China's May exports ran +19.4% year-on-year, so equipment is tight into the surcharge round; the live Strait of Hormuz risk keeps carriers cautious with Gulf capacity.
  • Her advice: pre-book 3–4 weeks ahead to lock space and a fair rate on the western lanes. For small, urgent shipments, air freight is the smart choice right now — it stayed flat to down while ocean firmed.
Ruby Lu, SINO Shipping China desk
Ruby Lu
Operations · SINO South-China desk
🌎 North America & Oceania
  • North America: US and Canada 40GP rates surged +46% in September; Mexico +46%. The region saw a broad increase across lanes, moving sharply higher.
  • Oceania is now the exception: New Zealand led a regional rise in September (+22.1%), with Pacific island lanes tracking the same upward move. Australia held flat.
  • Her advice: pre-book to secure space on Oceania and diversify carrier options for backup. Remember — strong port statistics do not equal supply-chain fluidity; schedule reliability is the biggest variable, so keep arrangements flexible.

On-the-ground commentary from SINO Shipping's China-based partner desk (F S International), September 2026.

Americas — September 2026

The Americas surged +50.9% month-over-month in September, with all 35 priced destinations rising and none falling or holding flat. Notable increases included Colombia $8,190–10,010 (+82%), Uruguay $7,629–9,338 (+54%), Argentina $8,190–10,010 (+54%), Brazil $8,190–10,010 (+54%), Cuba $19,338–23,637 (+54%), and Antigua and Barbuda $14,719–17,925 (+54%). The sharp upward move was driven by extensive port disruptions in Northeast Asia following back-to-back typhoons, leading to vessel delays, port omissions, and blank sailings that squeezed capacity on all outbound lanes. With factory closures for the Mid-Autumn Festival and Golden Week reducing available shipping days after 20 September, shippers should secure space immediately for any Q4 inventory still in China.

📈
North America leads the unwind, the Atlantic follows

Mexico 40GP +46%, Canada and the US +46% — North America continues the nearshoring run — while Brazil and Argentina print +54% and now sit above their June level. Verify rates at booking and ask for short validity (2–3 weeks).

📦
Americas unwind — September 2026

North America surges (Mexico +46%, Canada and the US +46%) and the Atlantic follows (Brazil and Argentina +54%). Chile, Colombia and Ecuador print large gains as September rates reflect strong demand. Consolidate into 40HQ and lock the North-American lanes early while space is tight.

🇲🇽
Mexico
↑ +46%
$7,300 (40GP)
🇨🇦
Canada
↑ +7%
$8,600 (40GP)
🇺🇸
USA
↑ +46%
$7,522 (40GP)
🇧🇷
Brazil
↑ +54%
$9,100 (40GP)
🇦🇷
Argentina
↑ +54%
$9,100 (40GP)

Why it moved

  • 🇲🇽 Mexico leads — 40GP $6,570–8,030 (+46%); among the steepest North-American moves as nearshoring demand holds.
  • 🇨🇦 Canada — 40GP $7,740–9,460 (+7%); firms in step with Mexico on the West-Coast strings.
  • 🇺🇸 US surges — 40GP $6,570–8,030 (+46%), in step with Canada as the nearshoring run reprices; the lane is now about 10% above its June level.
  • 🇧🇷 Brazil / 🇦🇷 Argentina — 40GP $8,190–10,010 (+54%); rates climbed in September, extending earlier gains.
  • 🇨🇱 Chile / 🇨🇴 Colombia / 🇪🇨 Ecuador — Pacific-coast lanes ($6,570–8,030 to $8,190–10,010 on 40GP) are now the sharpest movers in the regional move.
  • ✈️ Air — flat to down MoM (≈0.9–1.1×) across the Americas — this is an ocean-capacity event, not a cross-mode fuel shock.

Rates at a glance

📊 Note: Prices below are indicative. North-American lanes surged in September (Mexico +46%, Canada and the US +7.5% and +46%) and the Atlantic followed at +50.9% — always request an up-to-date quote with 2–3 weeks validity.

Rates table — Americas (USD)
Country Sea 20GP Sea 40GP LCL /CBM Air /kg Express /kg Transit
🌎 North America
🇺🇸 United States$6,726–8,221$6,770–8,275$137.2$6.9$16.014–22d
🇨🇦 Canada$6,660–8,140$7,740–9,460$190$7.5$15.516–25d
🇲🇽 Mexico$6,300–7,700$6,570–8,030$110$8.3$16.818–25d
Central America
🇧🇿 Belize$3,504–4,314$3,989–4,805$124.4$14.2$24.022–30d
🇨🇷 Costa Rica$3,504–4,314$3,989–4,805$124.4$14.2$24.020–28d
🇸🇻 El Salvador$3,504–4,314$3,989–4,805$124.4$14.2$24.020–28d
🇬🇹 Guatemala$3,504–4,314$3,989–4,805$124.4$14.2$24.020–28d
🇭🇳 Honduras$3,504–4,314$3,989–4,805$124.4$14.2$24.020–28d
🇳🇮 Nicaragua$3,504–4,314$3,989–4,805$124.4$14.2$24.020–28d
🇵🇦 Panama$3,504–4,314$3,989–4,805$124.4$14.2$24.018–25d
🏝️ Caribbean
🇦🇬 Antigua & Barbuda$12,949–15,741$14,719–17,925$168.8$14.4$23.09–13d
🇧🇸 Bahamas$12,949–15,741$14,719–17,925$168.8$14.4$23.025–32d
🇧🇧 Barbados$12,949–15,741$14,719–17,925$168.8$14.4$23.010–14d
🇨🇺 Cuba$17,045–20,735$19,338–23,637$355.5$14.4$23.028–35d
🇩🇲 Dominica$12,949–15,741$14,719–17,925$168.8$14.4$23.010–12d
🇩🇴 Dominican Rep.$12,949–15,741$14,719–17,925$168.8$14.4$23.025–32d
🇬🇩 Grenada$12,949–15,741$14,719–17,925$168.8$14.4$23.010–12d
🇭🇹 Haiti$12,949–15,741$14,719–17,925$168.8$14.4$23.010–15d
🇯🇲 Jamaica$12,949–15,741$14,719–17,925$168.8$14.4$23.025–32d
🇰🇳 St Kitts & Nevis$12,949–15,741$14,719–17,925$168.8$14.4$23.09–13d
🇱🇨 St Lucia$12,949–15,741$14,719–17,925$168.8$14.4$23.09–13d
🇻🇨 St Vincent$12,949–15,741$14,719–17,925$168.8$14.4$23.09–10d
🇹🇹 Trinidad & Tobago$12,949–15,741$14,719–17,925$168.8$14.4$23.09–13d
🌎 South America
🇦🇷 Argentina$7,920–9,680$8,190–10,010$115$10$15.532–40d
🇧🇴 Bolivia$5,219–6,386$5,811–7,125$119.7$11.8$20.135–42d
🇧🇷 Brazil$7,920–9,680$8,190–10,010$90$9.6$15.230–38d
🇨🇱 Chile$6,300–7,700$6,570–8,030$120$9.8$15.728–35d
🇨🇴 Colombia$7,920–9,680$8,190–10,010$200$9.5$15.025–32d
🇪🇨 Ecuador$7,920–9,680$8,190–10,010$90$10.4$16.528–35d
🇬🇾 Guyana$8,244–10,092$9,109–11,043$127.5$10.1$17.330–38d
🇵🇾 Paraguay$7,500–9,180$8,310–10,133$150$10.3$17.435–42d
🇵🇪 Peru$5,219–6,386$5,811–7,125$119.7$11.8$20.128–35d
🇸🇷 Suriname$8,244–10,092$9,109–11,043$127.5$10.1$17.330–38d
🇺🇾 Uruguay$6,924–8,437$7,629–9,338$207$12.5$20.232–40d
🇻🇪 Venezuela$8,244–10,092$9,109–11,043$127.5$10.1$17.328–35d

What this means for shippers

  • 🇲🇽 Mexico40GP $6,570–8,030 (+46%). A real desk quote, and it repriced hard — book before the Golden Week cut-off.
  • 🇨🇦 Canada40GP $7,740–9,460 (+7%). Pricing has come back to the shipper; lock validity rather than wait for more.
  • 🇺🇸 USA40GP $7,740–9,460 (+7%). A genuine buyer's window — take the space now.
  • 🇧🇷 Brazil / 🇦🇷 Argentina40GP $8,190–10,010 (+54% both). The Atlantic block repriced hard on real desk quotes, and air offered no escape: Brazil $9.60/kg, Argentina $10.00/kg. Book before the Golden Week cut-off.
  • 🇨🇱 Chile / 🇨🇴 Colombia / 🇪🇨 Ecuador40GP $6,570–8,030 (+46%) / $8,190–10,010 (+82%) / $8,190–10,010 (+49%). A second consecutive structurally valid quote, and it came in higher still — this is a market level now, not last month's catch-up. Colombia is the sharpest riser on the board.
  • 📋 Strategic → A two-speed region: firming North America, decelerating Atlantic. Book the western lanes early; use the Atlantic's softening to your advantage.

Europe — September 2026

Europe leads the global correction, with average sea freight rates for 40GP containers down 14.1% month-over-month in September. Of 45 countries priced, 35 fell, 9 held flat, and only France rose, up 2% to $4,095–5,005. Key declines include Denmark $3,330–4,070 (−30%), Austria $3,870–4,730 (−22%), Italy $4,185–5,115 (−21%), Slovakia, Hungary, and Czech Republic each $4,147–5,034 (−21%). Flat lanes include Andorra, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg ($4,731–5,768), Belgium, Germany ($4,095–5,005). Air freight rates eased 1.7% in September on average. The mechanism is weak Asia-Europe demand, offset by blank sailings that preserved North Europe’s price stability. Shippers should secure space early for Q4 inventory, as factory shutdowns will reduce available capacity after 20 September.

📈
Europe −14% as surcharge lapses

France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and the UK all printed unchanged rates in September as the CMA CGM / Maersk peak-season surcharges ended. Only Germany is below its June base; other lanes remain above spring pricing.

🇵🇱
Poland
↓ −12%
$4,750 (40GP)
🇫🇷
France
↑ +2%
$4,550 (40GP)
🇳🇱
Netherlands
→ steady
$4,550 (40GP)
🇧🇪
Belgium
→ steady
$4,550 (40GP)
🇩🇪
Germany
→ steady
$4,550 (40GP)

Why it moved

  • 🧾 The 1 July surcharge round — CMA CGM and Maersk peak-season surcharges (~$500/$1,000/$1,000 per 20'/40'/40HQ) reset the North-Europe base ports overnight; its lapse is the engine of the −14% move.
  • 🇵🇱 Poland — 40GP $4,275–5,225 (−12%), though it still sits about 20% above its June base.
  • 🇫🇷🇳🇱🇧🇪 Base ports hold — France $4,095–5,005 (+2%), the Netherlands and Belgium $4,095–5,005 (flat) as blank sailings offset weak demand.
  • 🇩🇪 Germany milder — 40GP $4,095–5,005 (−0%); a reminder this is carrier action, not a physical shock — the move is uneven, not a blanket spike.
  • ✈️ Air flat to down — air freight broadly unchanged to softer MoM; an ocean capacity-and-demand event, not a cross-mode fuel shock.
  • 🚂 Rail relief — China–Europe rail remains a useful valve at 25–33 days where ocean space is tight.

Rates at a glance

📊 Note: Prices below are indicative. Europe eased −14% in September on weak Asia-Europe demand, though the base ports held flat (France +2%, base ports flat, Poland −12%) — confirm rates at booking and lock in with 2–3 weeks validity.

Rates table — Europe (USD)
Country Sea 20GP Sea 40GP LCL /CBM Air /kg Express /kg Rail LCL Rail 20GP Rail 40GP Transit
Western Europe (Main Ports)
🇧🇪 Belgium$2,615–3,196$4,095–5,005$35$4.4$7.9$220$4,950–6,050$7,335–8,96525–26d
🇫🇷 France$2,615–3,196$4,095–5,005$30$4.3$7.8$210$4,158–5,082$6,048–7,39225–28d
🇩🇪 Germany$2,615–3,196$4,095–5,005$45$4.3$7.0$210$4,770–5,830$7,470–9,13025–33d
🇮🇪 Ireland$2,610–3,190$4,140–5,060$65$4.9$8.825–27d
🇱🇺 Luxembourg$3,310–3,987$4,731–5,768$63$3.9$725–34d
🇳🇱 Netherlands$2,615–3,196$4,095–5,005$35$4.3$7.7$204$4,039–4,936$5,875–7,18025–32d
🇬🇧 United Kingdom$2,615–3,196$4,095–5,005$55$4.5$8.1$229$4,554–5,566$6,623–8,09525–28d
🇦🇩 Andorra$3,310–3,987$4,731–5,768$63$3.9$725–30d
🇱🇮 Liechtenstein$3,310–3,987$4,731–5,768$63$3.9$725–34d
🇲🇨 Monaco$3,310–3,987$4,731–5,768$63$3.9$725–28d
Northern Europe (Scandinavia & Baltics)
🇩🇰 Denmark$1,800–2,200$3,330–4,070$45$4.2$7.6$210$4,158–5,082$6,048–7,39225–32d
🇫🇮 Finland$2,781–3,433$3,848–4,720$60$3.6$6.5$220$4,356–5,324$6,336–7,74425–33d
🇮🇸 Iceland$3,842–4,659$5,300–6,462$60$3.6$6.525–33d
🇳🇴 Norway$3,105–3,795$4,590–5,610$45$4.4$7.9$229$4,554–5,566$6,623–8,09525–28d
🇸🇪 Sweden$2,790–3,410$4,185–5,115$80$5$9.0$220$4,356–5,324$6,336–7,74425–27d
🇪🇪 Estonia$2,853–3,549$3,853–4,719$52.5$3.7$6.625–33d
🇱🇻 Latvia$2,853–3,549$3,853–4,719$52.5$3.7$6.625–33d
🇱🇹 Lithuania$2,853–3,549$3,853–4,719$52.5$3.7$6.625–32d
Southern Europe (Mediterranean)
🇨🇾 Cyprus$3,027–3,667$4,677–5,735$43.9$3.9$7.025–28d
🇬🇷 Greece$3,027–3,667$4,677–5,735$43.9$3.9$7.025–31d
🇮🇹 Italy$2,678–3,273$4,185–5,115$40$4.2$7.6$235$4,356–5,324$7,110–8,69025–34d
🇲🇹 Malta$3,027–3,667$4,510–5,512$67.5$3.9$7.025–27d
🇵🇹 Portugal$2,880–3,520$4,185–5,115$30$4.8$8.625–26d
🇪🇸 Spain$2,678–3,273$4,185–5,115$45$4.2$7.6$215$4,356–5,324$7,470–9,13025–31d
🇹🇷 Turkey$1,314–1,606$2,295–2,805$38$6.2$14.0$7,110–8,69018–25d
🇸🇲 San Marino$2,677–3,317$4,232–5,178$39.3$3.9$6.925–29d
🇻🇦 Vatican City$2,677–3,317$4,232–5,178$39.3$3.9$6.925–32d
Central Europe
🇦🇹 Austria$2,610–3,190$3,870–4,730$85$4.3$7.7$210$4,158–5,082$6,048–7,39225–32d
🇨🇿 Czech Republic$2,555–3,097$4,147–5,034$45$4.0$7.1$204$4,039–4,936$5,875–7,18025–32d
🇭🇺 Hungary$2,555–3,097$4,147–5,034$45$4.0$7.1$204$4,039–4,936$5,875–7,18025–27d
🇵🇱 Poland$2,610–3,190$4,275–5,225$33$5.2$9.4$200$3,960–4,840$5,895–7,20525–31d
🇸🇰 Slovakia$2,555–3,097$4,147–5,034$45$4.0$7.1$204$4,039–4,936$5,875–7,18025–27d
🇨🇭 Switzerland$2,655–3,245$3,780–4,620$125$4.5$8.1$216$4,276–5,227$6,220–7,60325–32d
Eastern Europe
🇧🇾 Belarus$2,546–3,087$3,722–4,518$39.4$4.5$8.1$160$3,168–3,872$4,608–5,63225–30d
🇧🇬 Bulgaria$2,546–3,087$3,722–4,518$39.4$4.5$8.1$229$4,554–5,566$6,623–8,09525–26d
🇲🇩 Moldova$2,546–3,087$3,722–4,518$39.4$4.5$8.125–35d
🇷🇴 Romania$2,546–3,087$3,722–4,518$39.4$4.5$8.1$220$4,356–5,324$6,336–7,74425–30d
🇷🇺 Russia$5,310–6,490$8,820–10,780$132$3.3$6.7$160$3,168–3,872$4,608–5,63218–25d
🇺🇦 Ukraine$2,546–3,087$3,722–4,518$39.4$4.5$8.1$220$4,356–5,324$6,336–7,74425–31d
Balkans
🇦🇱 Albania$3,471–4,243$4,719–5,781$48.1$4.7$11.025–29d
🇧🇦 Bosnia$3,471–4,243$4,719–5,781$48.1$4.7$11.025–33d
🇭🇷 Croatia$3,471–4,243$4,719–5,781$48.1$4.7$11.025–28d
🇲🇪 Montenegro$3,471–4,243$4,719–5,781$48.1$4.7$11.025–29d
🇲🇰 North Macedonia$3,471–4,243$4,719–5,781$48.1$4.7$11.025–32d
🇷🇸 Serbia$3,471–4,243$4,719–5,781$48.1$4.7$11.0$229$4,554–5,566$6,623–8,09525–27d
🇸🇮 Slovenia$3,484–4,257$5,257–6,442$55$3.7$6.625–32d

What this means for shippers

  • 🇵🇱 Poland40GP $4,275–5,225 (−12%). Still easing while North Europe holds flat — book while it lasts.
  • 🚢 Base ports (FR/NL/BE)40GP $4,095–5,005 (flat), France $4,095–5,005 (+2%). North Europe printed its September number to the cent: demand is still falling, but typhoon-driven blank sailings removed the departures that would have carried the correction. Germany now sits 11.7% below its June base while the Netherlands, Belgium and the UK sit 9.6% above theirs.
  • 🇩🇪 Germany40GP $4,095–5,005 (−0%). Pricing has come back to the shipper; lock validity rather than wait for more.
  • 🧾 Surcharge timingPSS/GRA effective 1 July. Book before the next round compounds; ask carriers to cap surcharges in the quote where possible.
  • 🚂 Rail option$3,960–8,690 for 40GP, 25–33 days. A useful relief valve where ocean space is tight (Hungary, Czech, Poland).
  • 📅 Strategic → A surcharge-driven step-up, not a physical crisis — the move is uneven. Book early and lean on rail where available.

Africa — September 2026

Africa posted a mild sea freight decline, averaging −1.2% month-over-month across 54 countries. Rwanda led risers at $10,170–12,430 (+18%), followed by Mauritius, Mozambique, Madagascar, Seychelles, and Comoros (all +12%). The sharpest falls were in Tunisia, Morocco, Libya, Egypt, and Algeria (all −19%), with Ghana down −15%. Nigeria was unchanged at $3,150–3,850. Disruption from typhoons in Northeast Asia triggered blank sailings, limiting capacity and driving volatility on select lanes. Shippers should monitor port schedules and prioritise early bookings for rising destinations.

🦁
Africa barely moved at −2%, the flattest region on the map — Kenya and Nigeria printed unchanged, South Africa −3%, Senegal −7% and Ivory Coast −9%, while Algeria and Tunisia rose 11%. West Africa softened — Senegal −12%, a buyer's window — while Egypt's Suez-direct lane held steady. Confirm quotes at booking with 2–3 weeks validity.
🇰🇪
Kenya
↓ −14%
$4,900 (40GP)
🇿🇦
South Africa
↑ +12%
$3,750 (40GP)
🇲🇿
Mozambique
↑ +12%
$4,986 (40GP)
🇪🇬
Egypt
↓ −19%
$3,586 (40GP)
🇸🇳
Senegal
↓ −7%
$4,010 (40GP)

Why it moved

  • 🌍 Flat and selective — Africa saw little change in September, with most lanes flat or easing. The only gains were on Rwanda (+18%), while Kenya and Nigeria held unchanged.
  • 🦁 The Cape strings held — Kenya unchanged at $5,130–6,270, South Africa −3% and Mozambique broadly flat; detoured Cape-of-Good-Hope tonnage keeps these lanes firm while the rest of the map eases.
  • 📉 West Africa eases — Senegal fell −12%, a buyer's window on the West-African lanes that did not follow the Cape move.
  • 🇪🇬 Egypt steady — the fastest Suez-direct transit (18–25 days) held roughly flat; a relatively efficient corridor away from the Cape reroute.
  • ✈️ Air flat to down — air freight broadly unchanged to softer MoM; this is an ocean capacity-and-demand event, not a cross-mode fuel shock.
  • 🌳 Central Africa — Congo/DRC and the interior lanes track the modest continental move.

Rates at a glance

📊 Note: Prices below are indicative. African lanes were largely flat in September, with Nigeria unchanged, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya and Algeria −19%, Rwanda +18%. Confirm at booking with 2–3 weeks validity.

Rates table — Africa (USD)
Country Sea 20GP Sea 40GP LCL /CBM Air /kg Express /kg Transit
🏜️ North Africa
🇩🇿 Algeria$4,374–5,346$5,904–7,216$250$6.4$13.435–44d
🇪🇬 Egypt$2,739–3,347$3,227–3,944$131.3$6.1$14.718–25d
🇱🇾 Libya$4,924–6,096$6,321–7,676$177.5$6.2$13.434–43d
🇲🇦 Morocco$4,924–6,096$6,321–7,676$177.5$6.2$13.422–28d
🇸🇩 Sudan$7,304–8,924$9,226–11,282$390.4$10.6$15.535–37d
🇹🇳 Tunisia$4,924–6,096$6,321–7,676$177.5$6.2$13.432–34d
West Africa
🇧🇯 Benin$4,667–5,692$5,608–6,889$270$8.5$17.633–34d
🇧🇫 Burkina Faso$4,667–5,692$5,608–6,889$270$8.5$17.634–36d
🇨🇻 Cabo Verde$4,667–5,692$5,608–6,889$270$8.5$13.735–43d
🇬🇲 Gambia$4,667–5,692$5,608–6,889$270$8.5$17.632–40d
🇬🇭 Ghana$3,173–3,878$3,825–4,675$252$5.8$10.532–42d
🇬🇳 Guinea$4,667–5,692$5,608–6,889$270$8.5$17.632–37d
🇬🇼 Guinea-Bissau$4,667–5,692$5,608–6,889$270$8.5$17.633–44d
🇨🇮 Ivory Coast$3,128–3,823$3,735–4,565$455$8.7$15.833–36d
🇱🇷 Liberia$4,667–5,692$5,608–6,889$270$8.5$17.635–42d
🇲🇱 Mali$4,667–5,692$5,608–6,889$270$8.5$17.633–37d
🇲🇷 Mauritania$4,667–5,692$5,608–6,889$270$8.5$17.632–44d
🇳🇪 Niger$4,667–5,692$5,608–6,889$270$8.5$17.635–42d
🇳🇬 Nigeria$2,970–3,630$3,150–3,850$435$6.4$13.435–38d
🇸🇳 Senegal$3,471–4,242$3,609–4,411$455$8.1$12.734–39d
🇸🇱 Sierra Leone$4,667–5,692$5,608–6,889$270$8.5$17.634–42d
🇹🇬 Togo$3,128–3,823$3,735–4,565$120$12.6$20.233–44d
🌳 Central Africa
🇨🇲 Cameroon$6,292–7,706$7,583–9,344$946$8.5$17.632–38d
🇨🇫 Central African Rep.$5,534–6,763$7,288–8,961$700$8.1$16.832–44d
🇹🇩 Chad$5,534–6,763$7,288–8,961$700$8.1$16.933–39d
🇨🇬 Congo$4,635–5,665$6,075–7,425$665$8.6$17.234–36d
🇨🇩 DR Congo$5,534–6,763$7,288–8,961$700$8.1$16.532–37d
🇬🇶 Equatorial Guinea$6,438–7,885$8,484–10,452$946$8.2$16.733–43d
🇬🇦 Gabon$6,438–7,885$8,484–10,452$946$8.2$16.734–40d
🇸🇹 São Tomé$6,292–7,706$7,583–9,344$946$8.5$17.434–39d
🦁 East Africa
🇧🇮 Burundi$3,274–3,999$4,115–5,044$160$9.9$16.235–41d
🇰🇲 Comoros$3,243–3,950$3,938–4,827$150$5.5$9.532–37d
🇩🇯 Djibouti$3,359–4,126$4,182–5,177$166.4$9.9$15.934–39d
🇪🇷 Eritrea$3,274–4,041$4,048–5,044$166.4$9.9$15.733–38d
🇪🇹 Ethiopia$3,107–3,872$3,917–4,845$163.2$9.7$15.525–32d
🇰🇪 Kenya$3,420–4,180$4,410–5,390$180$5.5$8.822–28d
🇲🇬 Madagascar$3,076–3,742$3,684–4,573$153$5.4$8.632–35d
🇲🇼 Malawi$3,575–4,405$4,638–5,590$154.5$5.7$13.534–39d
🇲🇺 Mauritius$3,076–3,823$3,748–4,638$153$5.4$8.633–37d
🇲🇿 Mozambique$3,492–4,239$4,509–5,462$157.5$3.9$6.334–41d
🇷🇼 Rwanda$7,875–9,625$10,170–12,430$576$14.8$23.735–42d
🇸🇨 Seychelles$3,157–3,906$3,812–4,764$154.5$5.4$8.733–42d
🇸🇴 Somalia$3,274–4,041$4,048–5,044$166.4$9.9$15.735–41d
🇸🇸 South Sudan$3,274–3,999$4,115–5,044$160$9.9$13.132–44d
🇹🇿 Tanzania$3,107–3,872$3,917–4,845$163.2$9.7$15.522–28d
🇺🇬 Uganda$6,129–7,491$7,128–8,712$450$9.5$15.232–37d
Southern Africa
🇦🇴 Angola$3,111–3,835$4,360–5,257$103$8.0$19.025–32d
🇧🇼 Botswana$3,575–4,405$4,638–5,590$154.5$5.7$13.533–34d
🇸🇿 Eswatini$3,575–4,405$4,638–5,590$154.5$5.7$13.532–35d
🇱🇸 Lesotho$3,575–4,405$4,638–5,590$154.5$5.7$13.534–43d
🇳🇦 Namibia$3,575–4,405$4,638–5,590$154.5$5.7$13.522–30d
🇿🇦 South Africa$2,903–3,548$3,375–4,125$188$6.1$13.422–30d
🇿🇲 Zambia$3,575–4,405$4,638–5,590$154.5$5.7$13.532–38d
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe$3,575–4,405$4,638–5,590$154.5$5.7$13.525–33d

What this means for shippers

  • 🇰🇪 Kenya40GP $4,410–5,390 (flat); air $5.5/kg. Flat while others repriced — no urgency on price, only on space.
  • 🇿🇦 South Africa40GP $3,375–4,125 (+12%). One of Africa's few risers on an otherwise flat continent.
  • 🇲🇿 Mozambique40GP $4,509–5,462 (+12%). Pricing has come back to the shipper; lock validity rather than wait for more.
  • 🇸🇳 Senegal40GP $3,609–4,411 (−7%). A genuine buyer's window — take the space now.
  • 🇪🇬 Egypt fastestSuez-direct 18–25 days, roughly flat. Best logistics efficiency in North Africa and off the Cape reroute.
  • 📋 DocumentationSONCAPs and COCs ready. West Africa compliance critical — prepare docs early.

Middle East — September 2026

The Middle East saw a sharp divergence in September, with sea freight rates averaging a +27.7% month-over-month increase across 13 lanes. The most pronounced surges were recorded to Kuwait ($11,628–14,212, +313%) and Saudi Arabia ($11,655–14,245, +76%), while the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar each climbed +25% to ranges between $5,860–8,204. In contrast, rates to Israel, Iran, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan fell -19%, with Israel now at $2,852–3,463. No lanes remained flat. The spike in Gulf rates is traced directly to port disruptions in Northeast Asia, where consecutive typhoons and carrier responses (port omissions, void sailings) squeezed capacity and forced repricing on headhaul lanes. Meanwhile, air freight rates softened -2.7% on average. With Mid-Autumn Festival and Golden Week reducing factory output after 20 September, shippers should prioritise bookings to the Gulf before capacity tightens further.

🕌
Concentrated: Saudi Arabia surges, GCC up, Levant down — Saudi Arabia carries the region on Strait of Hormuz risk (40GP $11,655–14,245, +76%). UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain are up +25%; Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Iran −19%. The Hormuz risk premium is live, so quote GCC lanes fresh at booking with 2–3 weeks validity.
🇸🇦
Saudi Arabia
↑ +76%
$12,950 (40GP)
🇦🇪
UAE
↑ +25%
$7,032 (40GP)
🇶🇦
Qatar
↑ +25%
$7,344 (40GP)
🇮🇱
Israel
↓ −19%
$3,158 (40GP)
🇹🇷
Turkey
→ steady
$2,550 (40GP)

Why it moved

  • 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia — 40GP $11,655–14,245; the region's whole print sits here, driven by Strait of Hormuz risk. August saw no change, as the risk premium is independent of surcharge cycles.
  • ⚓ Strait of Hormuz risk — VLCC tanker rates jumped 82–92% week-on-week; Iran now demands mandatory insurance and a northern route, the US threatens counter-tolls, and the two-route confusion keeps the risk premium live.
  • 🕌 The rest of the Gulf rises — UAE, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain are up +25%; the risk premium has not (yet) spread beyond Saudi.
  • 🇮🇱 Levant steady / 🇹🇷 Turkey steady — Israel/Lebanon/Jordan and Turkey (40GP $2,295–2,805) held; sea/rail remain the workhorse modes.
  • 🇷🇺 Russia — rail $4,608–5,632 (40GP) remains a steady overland option.
  • ✈️ Air flat to down — Dubai DXB, Doha, Jeddah broadly unchanged to softer MoM at ~$4.0/kg; an ocean event, not a fuel shock.

Rates at a glance

📊 Note: Prices below are indicative. August saw no movement in Middle East sea rates — the risk premium remains live, so confirm Gulf lanes fresh at booking with 2–3 weeks validity.

Rates table — Middle East (USD)
Country Sea 20GP Sea 40GP LCL /CBM Air /kg Express /kg Transit
🇦🇪 UAE$4,118–5,108$5,860–8,204$71.3$4$6.412–18d
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia$8,820–10,780$11,655–14,245$40$5.5$8.814–20d
🇶🇦 Qatar$4,365–5,354$6,485–8,204$75$4.0$6.38–13d
🇰🇼 Kuwait$8,730–10,670$11,628–14,212$35$6.9$11.110–13d
🇧🇭 Bahrain$4,365–5,354$6,485–8,204$75$4.0$6.38–13d
🇴🇲 Oman$4,284–5,271$6,406–8,048$75$3.9$6.39–12d
🇮🇱 Israel$2,227–2,733$2,852–3,463$79.7$5.8$14.410–12d
🇯🇴 Jordan$2,024–2,480$2,567–3,219$70.3$5.0$8.98–10d
🇱🇧 Lebanon$2,024–2,480$2,567–3,219$70.3$5.0$8.99–12d
🇸🇾 Syria$2,024–2,480$2,567–3,219$70.3$5.0$8.99–13d
🇮🇶 Iraq$2,733–3,340$3,423–4,319$82.4$4$6.416–22d
🇮🇷 Iran$2,783–3,441$3,545–4,441$82.4$4$6.414–20d
🇾🇪 Yemen$2,024–2,480$2,567–3,219$70.3$5.0$8.99–14d

What this means for shippers

  • 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia40GP $11,655–14,245 (flat). Unchanged month-over-month — the decision is space and schedule, not price.
  • 🇦🇪 UAE / 🇶🇦 Qatar40GP $5,860–8,204 / $6,485–8,204 (both +25%). The Gulf stopped sitting the month out. Both are derived from their cluster rather than quoted directly, and Kuwait is excluded from that maths — see the note on Saudi Arabia. Consolidate into 40HQ.
  • 🇰🇼 Kuwait40GP $11,628–14,212 (flat). Held its level; quote fresh but expect little movement.
  • 🇮🇱 Israel40GP $2,852–3,463 (flat). Flat while others repriced — no urgency on price, only on space.
  • 🇹🇷 Turkey40GP $2,295–2,805 (flat). Unchanged month-over-month — the decision is space and schedule, not price.
  • ✈️ Air split by region~$4.0/kg — air rates into Europe fell about 30%, while across the LATAM Atlantic they rose about 9%. This was not a fuel shock; ocean and air moved independently.

Asia — September 2026

Asia rose 29.4% month-over-month, second only to the Americas, and the region disagrees with itself more than usual. Sri Lanka $3,420–4,180 (+95%), Vietnam $630–770 (+75%), Afghanistan $11,098–13,746 (+60%), India $2,520–3,080 (+60%), the Maldives $4,645–5,835 (+60%), and Nepal $4,518–5,706 (+60%) led the increases, while the Philippines $207–253 (−53%), Thailand $387–473 (−22%), Mongolia $5,047–6,187 (−5%), Taiwan $510–610 (−5%), South Korea $510–610 (−5%), and North Korea $510–610 (−5%) declined. Typhoon disruptions at Shanghai and blank sailings drove capacity tightness, especially as Q4 inventory moves before factory closures. Shippers should secure bookings early to avoid last-minute rate spikes.

🌏
Asia splits hard — Sri Lanka +95% ($3,420–4,180 on 40GP), Vietnam +75%, India and Pakistan +60% ($2,520–3,080 and $2,702–3,304), Singapore and Indonesia +30%. Against them the Philippines fell 53% and Thailand 22%. At these absolute levels a small dollar move is a large percentage — read the levels, not the deltas.
🇵🇰
Pakistan
↑ +60%
$3,003 (40GP)
🇮🇳
India
↑ +60%
$2,800 (40GP)
🇰🇿
Kazakhstan (rail)
→ steady
$4,480 (40GP rail)
🇹🇭
Thailand
↓ −22%
$430 (40GP)
🇱🇰
Sri Lanka
↑ +95%
$3,800 (40GP)

Why it moved

  • 🇵🇰 Pakistan −11% — 40GP $1,877; broad easing across South and Southeast Asia.
  • 🇮🇳 India +60% — 40GP $2,520–3,080; the published figure is suppressed from a raw of +120%, because the quote arrived with a 40GP priced identically to its own 20GP.
  • 🚂 Middle Corridor rail +18% — Kazakhstan/Uzbekistan (Central Asia) firmed moderately; still a viable overland route at 8–15 days.
  • 🌏 SE Asia eases — Indonesia −25%, Thailand −12% and Sri Lanka −9% as spring front-loading unwinds; most lanes are below their June base.
  • 🀄 East Asia steady — China, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan origins held broadly steady; the front-loading unwind is the eastern story now.
  • ✈️ Air flat to down — air freight broadly unchanged to softer MoM; this is an ocean capacity-and-demand event, not a cross-mode fuel shock.

Rates at a glance

📊 Note: Prices below are indicative. Asia rose +29.4% in September, led by Sri Lanka +95%, Vietnam +75%, India and Pakistan +60%, Philippines −53%, Thailand −22% — verify each lane at booking.

Rates table — Asia (USD)
Country Sea 20GP Sea 40GP LCL /CBM Air /kg Express /kg Rail LCL Rail 20GP Rail 40GP Transit
East Asia
🇯🇵 Japan$279–341$513–627$10$1.5$2.69–10d
🇰🇷 South Korea$302–364$510–610$13.5$1.6$2.78–12d
🇹🇼 Taiwan$302–364$510–610$13.5$1.6$2.710–13d
🇰🇵 North Korea$302–364$510–610$11.3$1.5$2.79–15d
🇲🇳 Mongolia$3,062–3,797$5,047–6,187$75$5.4$9.2$180$3,564–4,356$5,184–6,3369–10d
Southeast Asia (ASEAN)
🇸🇬 Singapore$450–550$585–715$15$1.5$2.99–11d
🇲🇾 Malaysia$612–748$1,170–1,430$18$1.8$4.38–10d
🇹🇭 Thailand$297–363$387–473$20$1.1$2.010–13d
🇻🇳 Vietnam$333–407$630–770$18$1.4$3.58–13d
🇮🇩 Indonesia$608–743$1,170–1,430$22$2.2$3.910–14d
🇵🇭 Philippines$126–154$207–253$22$1.2$2.310–11d
🇰🇭 Cambodia$622–866$1,102–1,424$25$1.7$3.110–12d
🇲🇲 Myanmar$622–866$1,102–1,424$28$1.7$3.19–14d
🇱🇦 Laos$622–866$1,102–1,424$28$1.7$3.19–12d
🇧🇳 Brunei$622–866$1,102–1,424$20$1.7$3.19–10d
🇹🇱 Timor-Leste$622–866$1,102–1,424$30$1.7$3.19–13d
South Asia
🇮🇳 India$2,232–2,728$2,520–3,080$10$5$8.010–14d
🇵🇰 Pakistan$2,606–3,184$2,702–3,304$15$5$89–10d
🇧🇩 Bangladesh$2,115–2,585$2,232–2,728$70$1.8$2.910–15d
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka$3,330–4,070$3,420–4,180$45$5.5$8.810–15d
🇳🇵 Nepal$3,640–4,294$4,518–5,706$44.7$4.8$7.610–12d
🇧🇹 Bhutan$3,480–4,142$4,518–5,576$43.8$4.6$7.99–12d
🇲🇻 Maldives$3,640–4,294$4,645–5,835$45.7$4.8$7.610–14d
🇦🇫 Afghanistan$8,549–10,280$11,098–13,746$97.2$5.5$7.99–15d
Central Asia & Caucasus
🇰🇿 Kazakhstan$7,774–9,554$11,991–14,855$97.2$6.8$13.2$140$2,772–3,388$4,031–4,92810–12d
🇺🇿 Uzbekistan$7,774–9,554$11,991–14,855$97.2$6.8$13.2$160$3,168–3,872$4,608–5,6328–15d
🇹🇲 Turkmenistan$7,774–9,554$11,991–14,855$97.2$6.8$13.2$180$3,564–4,356$5,184–6,33610–14d
🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan$7,774–9,554$11,991–14,855$97.2$6.8$13.2$150$2,970–3,630$4,320–5,2809–11d
🇹🇯 Tajikistan$7,774–9,554$11,991–14,855$97.2$6.8$13.2$170$3,366–4,114$4,896–5,9849–13d
🇬🇪 Georgia$4,902–5,989$7,819–9,523$68.1$5.4$12.59–15d
🇦🇿 Azerbaijan$4,902–5,989$7,819–9,523$68.1$5.4$12.59–10d
🇦🇲 Armenia$4,902–5,989$7,819–9,523$68.1$5.4$12.510–11d

What this means for shippers

  • 🇵🇰 Pakistan40GP $2,702–3,304 (+60%). Pricing has come back to the shipper; lock validity rather than wait for more.
  • 🇮🇳 India40GP $2,520–3,080 (+60%). A genuine buyer's window — take the space now.
  • 🇹🇭 Thailand / 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka40GP $387–473 (−22%) / $3,420–4,180 (+95%). The two moved in opposite directions this cycle: Thailand eased while Sri Lanka nearly doubled on a real quote. India and Pakistan both print +60%.
  • 🇮🇩 Indonesia40GP $1,170–1,430 (+30%). The increase is real here — book while it holds.
  • 🀄 East Asia (CN/KR/JP/TW)steady. Held broadly flat; the front-loading unwind further south is the eastern relief now.
  • 🚂 Central Asia railKazakhstan/Uzbekistan +18%, 8–15 days. Still a viable overland route despite the moderate step-up.

Oceania — September 2026

Oceania rose 22.1% month-over-month, the mildest of the four rising regions. Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, and Palau lanes surged to $13,052–15,810 (+24%), while Australia was the only faller at $4,275–5,225 (-2%). Typhoon disruptions in Northeast Asia triggered carrier blank sailings and port omissions. Shippers should secure bookings promptly to avoid further price escalation.

📦
Oceania +22.1% — the region's only modest riser — New Zealand (40GP $5,522–6,749) leads at +24%; Australia (40GP $4,275–5,225) eased 2%. Pacific island lanes track the regional move. Air firmed about 5.3% regionally. Book early; space remains tight.
🇦🇺
Australia
↓ −2%
$4,750 (40GP)
🇳🇿
New Zealand
↑ +24%
$6,136 (40GP)

Why it moved

  • 🇦🇺 Australia flat — 40GP $4,275–5,225 unchanged in September. New Zealand was the region's leader with a +19% increase.
  • 🏝️ Pacific islands track it — Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Samoa move with New Zealand.
  • 📦 Book early — space is tight; capacity freed in South-East Asia has not reached Oceania.
  • ✈️ Air up regionally — air freight rose about 10%.
  • 📦 LCL — Australia $35/cbm, NZ $38/cbm.

Rates at a glance

📊 Note: Prices below are indicative. Oceania was the only region to rise in September (+22.1% avg), led by New Zealand (+19%) while Australia held flat. Confirm at booking with 2–3 weeks validity.

Rates table — Oceania (USD)
Country Sea 20GP Sea 40GP LCL /CBM Air /kg Express /kg Transit
🇦🇺 Australia$2,160–2,640$4,275–5,225$35$3.7$5.920–27d
🇳🇿 New Zealand$2,790–3,410$5,522–6,749$38$4$6.720–23d
🇫🇯 Fiji$6,510–7,957$13,052–15,810$57$3.2$7.720–27d
🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea$6,510–7,957$13,052–15,810$57$3.2$7.720–24d
🇼🇸 Samoa$6,510–7,957$13,052–15,810$57$3.2$7.720–25d
🇹🇴 Tonga$6,510–7,957$13,052–15,810$57$3.2$7.720–25d
🇻🇺 Vanuatu$6,510–7,957$13,052–15,810$57$3.2$7.720–22d
🇸🇧 Solomon Islands$6,510–7,957$13,052–15,810$57$3.2$7.720–24d
🇰🇮 Kiribati$6,510–7,957$13,052–15,810$57$3.2$7.720–21d
🇫🇲 Micronesia$6,510–7,957$13,052–15,810$57$3.2$7.720–25d
🇵🇼 Palau$6,510–7,957$13,052–15,810$57$3.2$7.720–28d
🇲🇭 Marshall Islands$6,510–7,957$13,052–15,810$57$3.2$7.720–27d
🇳🇷 Nauru$6,510–7,957$13,052–15,810$57$3.2$7.720–22d
🇹🇻 Tuvalu$6,510–7,957$13,052–15,810$57$3.2$7.720–28d

What this means for shippers

  • 🇦🇺 Australia40GP $4,275–5,225 (flat). Held its level; quote fresh but expect little movement.
  • 🇳🇿 New Zealand40GP $5,522–6,749 (+24%). Firming while the rest of the map eases — book ahead.
  • 🏝️ Pacific islandsFiji/PNG/Samoa track the +19% move. Island lanes tighten with New Zealand while Australia holds flat — lock validity at booking.
  • ✈️ Air flat to down~$5.5/kg. Broadly unchanged to softer MoM; sea remains the better cost choice.
  • 📅 PlanningBook for July/August arrivals. Sea capacity is tightest here — book 4–6 weeks ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

September's headline average for sea freight rose 15.3%, but the median climbed just 1.5%, meaning more than half of destinations did not follow the headline. Europe fell 14.1% overall, with 35 of 45 lanes down; North Europe (Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, UK) held steady at $4,095–5,005, while Italy dropped 21%, Spain 19%, Denmark 30%, and Czech Republic 21%. The Americas surged 50.9% (all lanes up), Asia jumped 29.4%, and the Middle East rose 27.7%. The correction that would have lowered rates was blocked by typhoons disrupting Shanghai, leading carriers to cancel sailings. Where volumes moved—especially South America—tightness drove prices up. Space, not price, was the main constraint until after China's Mid-Autumn Festival and Golden Week.
September saw dramatic shifts: Americas surged +50.9%, with Colombia up +82%, Brazil, Argentina, and Ecuador at $8,190–10,010 (+54%/+54%/+49%), Chile and Mexico $6,570–8,030 (+46%), and Canada $7,740–9,460 (+7.5%). Asia rose +29.4%, led by Sri Lanka $3,420–4,180 (+95%) and Vietnam $630–770 (+75%); India and Pakistan climbed +60%. The Middle East jumped +27.7%, with Saudi Arabia $11,655–14,245 (+76%). Europe dropped −14.1%, but North Europe held steady at $4,095–5,005. Spain, Denmark, and Czech Republic fell −19% to −30%. Africa was nearly flat (−1.2%), with Nigeria unchanged.
MSC has resumed limited Asia-Europe services through the Red Sea, joining Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, while Hormuz remains effectively closed. Iran and Oman have agreed a temporary shipping framework, but Iran has blacklisted 45 ships. Detours persist for most EMEA lanes, adding days and absorbing capacity. Americas lanes see little direct effect, but reallocation can tighten select services. Build buffer and validate transshipment plans.
US tariffs remain unchanged at 10% for most goods, with higher tiers on China and Vietnam. Retaliation from Canada, Mexico, and China continues to complicate planning. Align HS codes early, schedule departures before 15 September to avoid Mid-Autumn Festival and Golden Week disruptions, and consider DDP or alternate routings if factories slip. The EU’s flat €3 customs duty on consignments up to €150 still applies and does not move with freight rates.
No — air cargo broadly eased in September, down about 2% globally. Europe fell 1.7%, Americas 5.4%, Asia 3.9%, Middle East 2.7%, while Africa edged up 0.7% and Oceania rose 5.3%. Ocean rates surged on South American lanes (+50.9%) and Asia (+29.4%), but air's price gap widened, making sea the clear value for most cargo except urgent shipments into the Caribbean ($14.19–14.38/kg).
Yes, but act quickly—Europe's rates fell −14.1% in September, but space is tight due to typhoon disruptions and blank sailings. Secure bookings with fallback options and check validity windows, as only 15 working days remain before China’s holiday shutdown.
September’s market is sharply split: FCL is more attractive on high-rising lanes, especially to the Americas (+50.9%) and Middle East (+27.7%), where tight capacity and holiday-driven demand have driven up prices and made space the main constraint. For small shipments, LCL remains competitive in Africa (−1.2%) and Europe (−14.1%), especially North Europe, where rates held steady at $4,095–5,005. Asia’s mixed picture (+29.4%) means LCL may help offset costs in markets like the Philippines (−53%) and Thailand (−22%). Air cargo is broadly easing (−2%), but space is tight ahead of Golden Week. Mode choice depends on urgency and shipment size.
Pre‑validate HS codes and provide full product specs/tests. For West Africa, secure COC/SONCAP and clear paperwork to minimize inspection risk. For China Reg 150 items, stricter checks remain—allow extra lead time as factories pause after 20 September.

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