by supplychainreport
Global container freight rates experienced a notable upswing at the end of May, reflecting renewed energy in international trade and shipping flows. According to Drewry’s latest data, the World Container Index rose by 10 percent to 2,508 US dollars per forty-foot container — marking the first double-digit increase in nearly a year.
This rise is largely attributed to the temporary pause in US import tariffs, which sparked a surge in export activity and helped normalize shipping volumes that had previously slowed. The change encouraged businesses to fast-track shipments, especially along transpacific routes.
Freight rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles climbed by 17 percent last week and have increased by 38 percent since early May. Similarly, spot rates to New York rose by 14 percent over the week and 42 percent over the last three weeks. Routes to Europe also saw modest gains, with Shanghai to Rotterdam up six percent and Genoa up three percent.
The positive momentum has temporarily reversed the downward trend that began in January and demonstrates how shifts in trade policy — particularly around tariffs — can influence the global supply chain. The renewed movement of goods highlights strong demand and operational resilience in the logistics sector.
Although analysts expect rate adjustments later in the year depending on trade policy outcomes and capacity changes, the recent boost underlines how responsive global supply chains are to policy developments.
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