The Xeneta Weekly Ocean Container Shipping Market Update, released on June 15, 2026, provides data and intelligence on global freight rates and capacity, with analysis from Chief Analyst Peter Sand.

Read also: Xeneta: U.S.–China Truce Offers Relief, But Container Rates Set to Sink Deeper Into 2026

Freight Rates Surge on Major Trades

According to the report, spot rates remain elevated across major fronthaul trades, with further increases anticipated in mid-June as the ongoing Middle East conflict continues to disrupt shipping. Since the pre-Strait of Hormuz crisis period, spot rates from the Far East to the US West Coast have risen by 127%, and to the US East Coast by 106%. The analysis suggests rates could double again before reaching a peak and may approach the levels seen during the Red Sea crisis in 2024.

Current spot rates per FEU stand at USD 4,258 from the Far East to the US West Coast, USD 5,462 to the US East Coast, USD 3,854 to North Europe, and USD 5,194 to the Mediterranean. The rate from North Europe to the US East Coast is USD 2,315 per FEU.

Since the end of February 2026, spot rate changes include a 74% increase from the Far East to North Europe, a 56% rise to the Mediterranean, and a 57% jump from North Europe to the US East Coast.

Capacity Constraints and Delays

Shippers are facing not only higher freight rates but also delays in exporting goods from the Far East. Even large volume shippers with valid long-term contracts are unable to move containers, as carriers report services are fully booked into July. The analyst noted that a ship fully booked weeks in advance indicates demand has been building over time.

Offered capacity on Far East fronthauls is essentially flat compared to the pre-crisis period, with a 1% increase to both US West Coast and US East Coast, a 2% rise to North Europe, and a 7% decline to the Mediterranean. While offered capacity is now starting to increase, rates have already spiraled and containers are being rolled, leading the analyst to describe the situation as too little, too late for shippers.

Weekly capacity data shows a 8.7% increase from a week ago on the Far East to US West Coast route, 3.3% to the US East Coast, 9.2% to North Europe, and 18.1% to the Mediterranean. Capacity from North Europe to the US East Coast rose by 0.1% week-over-week.

Carrier Strategy and Market Outlook

The analyst warned that carriers driving up freight rates and rolling containers risks damaging relationships with shippers, who remember how they are treated during difficult periods. However, carriers entered 2026 fearing a loss-making position, so they are managing capacity and maximizing revenue while they have the opportunity. The report suggests carriers may later compete for the volumes of these same shippers when rates eventually soften and capacity loosens, but that concern is being deferred.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform