London — Global container spot rates increased this week, driven by higher pricing on the trans-Pacific trade lanes, while rising tensions around Iran introduced new uncertainty for global shipping costs, according to the latest update from supply chain analytics firm Drewry.
The Drewry World Container Index rose 3% to $1,958 per 40-foot container.
The increase was tied to stronger rates on routes from China to the United States as factories in Asia resumed production following Lunar New Year closures.
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On the trans-Pacific, spot rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles climbed 10% to $2,402 per 40-foot container, while rates to New York rose 7% to $2,977. Drewry said capacity controls are easing as volumes begin to recover, with only four blank sailings announced for next week across East and West Coast routes. The lower number of cancellations suggests carriers are preparing for a gradual pickup in shipments as production returns to normal levels.
Asia-Europe routes remained weaker by comparison. Rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam fell 2% to $2,052 per 40-foot container, while Shanghai to Genoa edged up 1% to $2,844. Drewry noted that although spot pricing remains under pressure, carriers are beginning to prepare for higher demand as Asian factories reopen in March.
Only four blank sailings have been announced on Asia-Europe and Mediterranean routes over the next two weeks, signaling that carriers expect volumes to recover. Drewry said this could support modest increases in spot rates on the trade lane in the coming weeks.
At the same time, geopolitical developments in the Middle East are creating potential cost pressures for the shipping industry. U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran have effectively halted tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint that carries roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply.
If the disruption persists, higher crude prices could translate into rising bunker fuel costs for ocean carriers. Additional war-risk insurance premiums and operational disruptions in the region could also increase shipping expenses.
For U.S. importers, the latest rate movements highlight the competing forces shaping freight markets. While spot pricing on Asia-U.S. routes is beginning to move higher as factories reopen, analysts say that broader geopolitical developments could influence costs in the months ahead if energy prices remain elevated.
