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Escalating tensions in the Middle East push freight rates higher again.
发布时间：
2026-04-02
浏览：98次
Affected by the combined impact of the conflict in the Middle East and the peak end-of-quarter shipments, global container freight rates have seen a new round of rebounds. On March 27, the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) stood at 1,826.77 points, up 7.02% week-on-week, returning to strength after a correction.
By route, the US routes led the gains: the Far East-West Coast US and Far East-East Coast US routes surged 14.51% and 11.70% respectively. The Persian Gulf route, directly impacted by the situation, rose 12.15%, with freight rates reaching $3,728 per TEU, an increase of $404 in a single week. Only the Mediterranean route edged down slightly.
The rebound is driven by three major factors: the Middle East conflict pushing up fuel costs, carriers tightening capacity to raise rates proactively, and concentrated end of quarter shipments boosting short term demand. Major shipping lines have already raised April quotations and plan to impose emergency fuel surcharges.On the macro front, the conflict has disrupted around 1.5% of global container capacity and caused congestion at some ports. Coupled with a tough stance from carriers during North America contract negotiations, the industry expects freight rates to face upward pressure with limited downside and to continue fluctuating higher in April.