Global container freight rates continued rising for the third consecutive week as peak-season demand arrived earlier than expected, shipping lines tightened capacity, and surcharges began returning across major trade routes.

According to the latest data from Drewry, the Drewry World Container Index (WCI) increased 6% this week to USD 2,712 per 40-foot container. This also marks the third straight weekly increase during May.

The Asia–Europe trade lane recorded the sharpest increases as vessel space tightened and carriers raised FAK rates, which are freight rates applied to various categories of cargo. Spot rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam climbed 15% to USD 2,773 per 40-foot container, while rates from Shanghai to Genoa rose 10% to USD 4,082 per 40-foot container.

Drewry noted that the number of blank sailings on the Asia–Europe route has fallen to only three scheduled cancellations next week, indicating that shipping lines are gradually adding capacity in preparation for peak-season demand.

Meanwhile, CMA CGM announced new FAK rates effective from June 1. Under the revised pricing structure, freight rates on the Asia–Europe route are expected to rise to approximately USD 4,700 per 40-foot container, while rates from Asia to the Mediterranean are projected to range between USD 5,500 and USD 5,700 per 40-foot container.

Drewry believes that earlier-than-usual peak-season demand and aggressive rate increase strategies by carriers will continue supporting upward momentum in the freight market over the coming weeks.

On trans-Pacific routes, freight rates also increased, though at a slower pace. Rates from Shanghai to New York rose 2% to USD 4,317 per 40-foot container, while rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles increased 1% to USD 3,385 per 40-foot container.

Emergency marine fuel surcharges, rising fuel costs, and the risk of shipping disruptions in the Gulf region are continuing to place pressure on the ocean freight market, which is already strained by seasonal cargo demand and carrier capacity management strategies.

Drewry added that current rate increases are still being supported by early peak-season demand, the return of higher FAK pricing, and shipping lines’ capacity control strategies on East–West trade routes.