- Container rates remained strong due to early peak season demand and frontloading ahead of possible tariffs.
- U.S. East and West Coast freight rates held firm, with slight week-on-week changes.
- Asia-Mediterranean rates spiked mid-week but ended lower as capacity shifted to trans-Pacific routes.
- Carriers plan more general rate increases (GRIs) in June and July in line with forecasted demand.
Container shipping rates remained elevated in the second week of June, supported by early peak season demand and shippers advancing orders to avoid potential tariff increases. On the key East-West trade lanes, pricing stayed mostly stable.
Rate Movements Across Key Trade Lanes
Freight rates on the trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe lanes showed mixed movements during the second week of June. On the U.S. West Coast route (FBX01), rates dipped slightly to $5,947 per FEU, down from the previous week’s peak of $6,015. Meanwhile, East Coast rates (FBX03) continued to rise, ending at $7,124 per FEU compared to $7,090 the week before. Carriers are preparing mid-June and July GRIs, in line with the National Retail Federation’s forecast that demand will increase through July before tapering off in September.
On the Asia-Mediterranean route (FBX13), rates spiked mid-week to $5,101 per FEU before retreating to $4,736 as vessels were reallocated to meet trans-Pacific demand. GRIs are also anticipated on this lane and on the Europe to Latin America corridor. Rates on the Europe–South America East Coast trade (FBX24) remained steady, closing at $886 per FEU and holding onto gains recorded in the previous week.
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Source: Baltic Exchange
