The Drewry World Container Index rises 12% in the week of May 14, 2026 amid Red Sea crisis, energy price hikes and capacity cuts
Brussels – The container shipping market is experiencing a new phase of strong tariff pressure. In the week of May 14, 2026, the Drewry World Container Index rose by 12%, reaching USD 2,553 per 40-foot container. Driving the increase are mainly routes from Asia to Europe and the United States, while transatlantic connections and return routes show much more moderate variations.
The most marked increase concerns the Shanghai-Genoa route, where freight rates reached USD 3,701 per feu with a 20% rise in just seven days. Routes to Rotterdam and the US East Coast are also rising: Shanghai-Rotterdam rose to USD 2,413 (+11%), while Shanghai-New York reached USD 4,252 (+14%). More moderate, but still significant, is the increase on Shanghai-Los Angeles, which reached USD 3,357 (+10%).
According to analysts, the price surge is driven by both structural factors and geopolitical tensions. Shipping lines are aggressively applying tariff surcharges related to fuel, peak season, and general rate increases. In parallel, many carriers are reducing available capacity through cancellation of departures, so-called “blank sailings”, with the aim of further supporting rates.
On the demand side, numerous companies are bringing forward bookings compared to traditional summer peaks. Tensions in the Red Sea and around the Strait of Hormuz, together with geopolitical instability in the Middle East, are in fact pushing many ships to avoid the Suez Canal and circumnavigate Africa via the Cape of Good Hope. A choice that lengthens sailing times and reduces the capacity effectively available on the market.
The data also highlight a strong imbalance between Asian export routes and return routes. While connections from China to Europe and the United States record strong increases, the reverse routes remain almost flat. The Los Angeles-Shanghai route, for example, remains below USD 800 without significant weekly variations, confirming that demand pressure is concentrated almost exclusively on Chinese exports to Western markets.
According to Drewry’s forecasts, freight rates could continue to rise in the coming weeks, supported by rising energy costs and geopolitical uncertainty. For companies dependent on Asian imports, the situation requires a revision of logistics budgets and procurement strategies. The risk of delays and containers left on the ground due to lack of space remains high on both Asia-Europe and transpacific routes.
