Freight Rates

Medkon Lines is set to launch a new Far East-Mediterranean container service next month, connecting China with the Mediterranean.

The U.S. merchandise trade deficit narrowed to $82.4 billion, a 3.4% reduction from the previous month, due to increased exports

Forwarders warn that recent spot rate recovery on transpacific and Asia-Europe routes could lead to sharper price increases.

Global disruptions are set to drive container freight rates higher in the coming weeks, benefiting ocean carriers.

Hapag-Lloyd is applying a Peak Season Surcharge on cargo from the Far East to Latin America and the Caribbean, effective June 15, 2026.

Yang Ming's Q1 profits fell, but its fleet renewal plan continues, with high freight rates expected for Q2 and Q3

Dalian Commodity Exchange iron ore futures rose 0.45% while port spot prices saw a slight increase of 3-5 RMB/ton.

Iron ore futures are poised for a monthly decline as global supply continues to outpace weakening demand conditions

European Union exports to the US fell by 30% in Q1 2026, contributing to an overall decline in EU trade.

CMA CGM will implement new FAK rates for cargo from Asia to the Mediterranean and North Africa starting mid-June 2026

Container shipping lines saw their Q1 2026 EBIT fall significantly to US$1.35 billion, according to Sea-Intelligence data

The EU Emissions Trading System for shipping is distorting maritime trade, potentially impacting offshore energy and military logistics.

CMA CGM is introducing new Peak Season Surcharges on various routes from Asia to Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Maldives.

Dry bulk shipping faces significant climate-induced disruptions, with an 82% chance of an El Niño impacting trade patterns

Transpacific spot rates to the US West Coast are expected to exceed 80% above pre-Middle East conflict levels.

Nordic American Tankers declared a $0.22 Q1 2026 dividend, citing the best tanker market conditions in decades.

A Canadian bitcoin miner is suing ZIM and the Port of Houston for alleged unfair per-diem fees on delayed cargo.

Global air cargo demand grew by 4% in April, recovering from a March decline linked to Middle East conflict.

Intra-Asia container shipping rates are rising sharply due to strong demand and higher bunker costs, with further increases expected

Diana Shipping reported a substantial increase in Q1 net income, driven by improved dry bulk charter rates and fleet utilization.

Asian buyers canceled US LPG cargoes as freight costs surged following the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to conflict.

Ongoing challenges in the freight market are leading to increased trucking bankruptcies, affecting capacity and pricing

Container shipping capacity is rapidly expanding on the India-China trade lane in response to strong demand growth

The Baltic Dry Index increased by 102 points, reaching 3226, reflecting rising costs for dry bulk cargo transport.

Rising trucking costs and tender rejection rates are boosting US intermodal traffic, potentially causing rail ramp congestion

Global steel flows decreased by 8% year-on-year in April 2026, with Chinese exports falling 4% in tonnage

Klaveness Combination Carriers has revised its Q2 2026 TCE guidance downwards due to operational performance and open positions

Houston Ship Channel's Q1 2026 tonnage throughput rose 12% year-on-year, driven by a 19% surge in energy exports

PIL Chairman SS Teo steps aside as the company faces a US Justice Department cartel investigation.

COSCO SHIPPING Lines announced a General Rate Increase (GRI) for July 2026 on shipments to the US and Canada