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Ocean freight rates plummet by 40% in two weeks! This benchmark route loses its luster amid a reversal of supply and demand for shipping capacity.
Release time：
2026-06-10
Browsing：151次
Ocean freight rates on India-Gulf routes, which once surged sharply due to tensions in the Middle East, have plunged recently, with some routes seeing a maximum drop of 40% within two weeks. Statistics show that for shipments from India’s Nhava Sheva and Mundra ports to Jebel Ali in the UAE, the freight rate for a 20-foot container has fallen from $3,500 to $2,100, while that for a 40-foot container has dropped from $4,800 to $3,200. Rates for voyages to Dammam, Saudi Arabia, have also declined notably.
The steep rate drop stems mainly from two factors: a massive influx of new shipping capacity has reversed the previous supply-demand imbalance, and the backlog of goods has been gradually cleared, easing booking pressure at ports. Industry insiders say the market is returning to normal, yet costs of fuel and war risk insurance, as well as geopolitical risks, continue to cause disruptions.
Maersk has rolled out temporary support measures for clients, including free container detention and discounted warehousing services. Meanwhile, Gulf nations are accelerating land-sea intermodal transport and cross-border logistics cooperation to reduce reliance on sea lanes. Freight rates are expected to stay steady in the short term. Nevertheless, uncertainties persist over the Middle East situation, leaving rates vulnerable to fluctuations.
The steep rate drop stems mainly from two factors: a massive influx of new shipping capacity has reversed the previous supply-demand imbalance, and the backlog of goods has been gradually cleared, easing booking pressure at ports. Industry insiders say the market is returning to normal, yet costs of fuel and war risk insurance, as well as geopolitical risks, continue to cause disruptions.
Maersk has rolled out temporary support measures for clients, including free container detention and discounted warehousing services. Meanwhile, Gulf nations are accelerating land-sea intermodal transport and cross-border logistics cooperation to reduce reliance on sea lanes. Freight rates are expected to stay steady in the short term. Nevertheless, uncertainties persist over the Middle East situation, leaving rates vulnerable to fluctuations.