Spot freight rates for maritime transport from the Far East to Northern Europe and the Mediterranean have increased by 6.8% and 5.8%, respectively. This increase occurs as container transport services have returned to the Red Sea, and fleet capacity is being freed up. However, demand on these routes is so strong that it is putting upward pressure on rates.
Rate and Demand Analysis
According to Peter Sand, senior analyst at Xenta, despite the increase in capacity in the global fleet, spot rates continue to trend upward. This clearly indicates strong demand for transport from the Far East to Europe. In the first seven months of the year, the volume of shipments sent from the Far East to Europe has increased by 12.2%.
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The contradiction between the increase in capacity and rates presents a puzzle. While the return of capacity to the fleet is expected to reduce pressure on rates, reality shows that rates are still on the rise. For example, rates have increased by 67% and 33% on routes to Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, respectively, compared to the Hormuz crisis on February 28, 2026.
Spot Rates on Various Routes
As of October 23, 2026, the average spot rates are as follows: the freight rate from the Far East to the West Coast of the United States is $8,311 per 40-foot container, and the rate to the East Coast of the United States is $11,525 per 40-foot container. Additionally, the freight rate from the Far East to Northern Europe is $3,698 and to the Mediterranean is $4,442.
Rates on routes between Northern Europe and the East Coast of the United States have also been recorded at $2,963 per 40-foot container. Changes in rates compared to a week ago indicate stability in the U.S. market. Rates have increased by 0.2% compared to a week ago, and rates on these routes are expected to decrease as 2026 progresses.
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