Shipping Market Update: Ocean Freight Rate Outlook for August 2026
The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) reached 3,205.97 points on 31 July 2026, up 2.7% week on week. The increase reflects firmer conditions on several long-haul lanes, rather than a uniform rise across every route.
North America and Latin America showed the strongest weekly increases. Europe, the Mediterranean and Australia/New Zealand softened modestly, while the Persian Gulf remained exposed to geopolitical and routing risk.
The practical priority is route-specific planning. On tight lanes, secure usable space before comparing prices. On softer lanes, check whether a lower rate is worth the risk of a delayed or less reliable sailing.
Shipping market update: route overview
| Route from Shanghai | Latest market rate | Weekly movement | Market reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Europe | USD 3,039/TEU | -3.7% | Softer |
| Mediterranean | USD 4,189/TEU | -3.7% | Softer |
| US West Coast | USD 5,229/FEU | +12.5% | Firm |
| US East Coast | USD 7,054/FEU | +12.6% | Firm |
| Persian Gulf | USD 3,894/TEU | +6.8% | Elevated risk |
| Australia/New Zealand | USD 2,164/TEU | -3.1% | Adjusting |
| South America | USD 5,730/TEU | +5.1% | Firm |
Rates include ocean freight and related surcharges. They are market indicators, not binding quotations. Actual costs vary by carrier, ports, equipment, cargo-ready date and contract status.
China to North America: rates rebound
On 31 July, the Shanghai-to-US West Coast market rate was USD 5,229 per FEU, up 12.5% week on week. The Shanghai-to-US East Coast rate reached USD 7,054 per FEU, up 12.6%.
The East Coast premium remains significant because all-water services require more transit time and are exposed to broader network constraints. Booking demand, equipment positioning and capacity discipline can change the balance quickly.
For US-bound cargo, compare confirmed space and schedule reliability, not only the quoted FAK rate. A cheaper quote is less useful if the container is rolled or the departure is delayed.
Ready to optimize your supply chain costs and get our best ocean rates? Learn more by email to YQN export: globalmarketing@yqn.com.
China to Europe and the Mediterranean: moderate correction
China-to-Europe and Mediterranean market rates both declined 3.7% in the latest weekly data. The Shanghai-to-North Europe basic-port rate was USD 3,039 per TEU, while the Mediterranean rate was USD 4,189 per TEU.
The decline suggests that immediate booking demand has softened relative to available capacity. It does not remove operational risk, especially where vessel bunching, port congestion or route changes affect schedule reliability.
Carrier network adjustments remain relevant. Maersk notes that it is proceeding cautiously amid continuing Middle East uncertainty, while also strengthening selected Mediterranean connections.
Shippers with flexible delivery dates can monitor late-month rates. Urgent cargo should still be booked against a confirmed sailing rather than waiting indefinitely for a lower price.
China to the Middle East: freight is shaped by risk
The Shanghai-to-Persian Gulf market rate reached USD 3,894 per TEU, up 6.8% week on week. The rise reflects a market where routing, insurance, fuel and capacity decisions can all change quickly.
Middle East freight should be assessed as a total logistics plan. Confirm the carrier’s current service scope, transshipment options, cargo acceptance rules, war-risk terms and destination delivery arrangements.
A disruption at a regional hub can affect container flows far beyond the Gulf. Alternative ports and land-bridge solutions may help, but they can also create extra handling, capacity limits and higher cost.
China to Latin America: demand is supporting rates
The Shanghai-to-South America market rate was USD 5,730 per TEU, up 5.1% from the previous week. This reflects firmer demand and continued pressure on available space across several Latin America trades.
The market is not uniform. Mexico, South America’s West Coast, East Coast South America and the Caribbean each have different carrier options, transit patterns and equipment availability.
For this reason, shipment-specific pricing is essential. A rate to Manzanillo, Callao or Santos should not be used as a benchmark for another destination without checking the complete service scope.
YQN Logistics provides competitive solutions on selected China–Latin America routes. You can check online FCL rates or request a tailored quote.
China to Australia and New Zealand: a softer market
The Shanghai-to-Australia/New Zealand basic-port market rate was USD 2,164 per TEU, down 3.1% week on week. Demand has not shown enough new momentum to support further price increases.
This creates an opportunity for planned cargo, but shippers should still verify space, carrier routing and port-pair coverage. A lower headline rate may exclude local charges or require a less direct service.
Latest Carrier Rate and Surcharge Announcements
| Carrier | Charge Type | Trade Lane | Effective Date | Published Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maersk | PSS | China & Hong Kong China → Dar es Salaam | 1 Aug 2026 | USD 1,200/20’; USD 1,800/40’ & 45’ | Applies to non-spot bookings until further notice. |
| Maersk | PSS | China and Far East Asia → North Europe & Mediterranean | 3 Aug 2026 | USD 250/20’; USD 500/40’ & 45’ | China is included in the Far East Asia origin scope. Applicable to all equipment types. |
| MSC | PCS | China, Southeast Asia, Korea & Japan → US East Coast and US Gulf Coast | 19 Aug 2026 | USD 100/TEU | Panama Canal Surcharge. Applies to all cargo types, based on gate-in date. |
| CMA CGM | PSS | China → West Africa Central | From 16 Jul 2026; current August status to be reconfirmed | USD 125/TEU | Covers Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Ghana, Togo and Equatorial Guinea. |
| CMA CGM | PSS | China → West Africa South | From 16 Jul 2026; current August status to be reconfirmed | USD 125/TEU | Covers Angola, Congo, DRC, Namibia, Gabon and Cameroon. |
| CMA CGM | PSS | China → West Africa North | From 16 Jul 2026; current August status to be reconfirmed | USD 0/TEU | The previous USD 200/TEU PSS was cancelled. |
| Maersk | PSS | China and Far East Asia → Sri Lanka | In force from 1 Jul 2026 until further notice | USD 800/container | Applies to 20’, 40’ and 45’ non-spot bookings. |
What shippers should do?
- Book early on firm lanes. North America, Latin America and risk-exposed Middle East services should be planned early, particularly for large volumes or fixed delivery windows.
- Use flexible options on softer lanes. Europe, Mediterranean and Oceania shippers may benefit from monitoring rates, provided that the delivery plan has enough buffer.
- Check the actual sailing. Confirm vessel name, cut-off, equipment release and port acceptance before releasing cargo to the trucker.
- Plan around port congestion. Congestion in Shanghai, Ningbo and other major hubs can affect sailing reliability even where the freight rate is stable.
- Separate rate from service quality. Compare transit time, transshipment risk, free time and carrier reliability alongside the quoted price.
How YQN Logistics supports global shippers
YQN Logistics helps businesses compare FCL solutions, secure capacity and manage route-specific shipping risks. Our team supports ocean freight planning from China to North America, Europe, Latin America, Oceania, the Middle East and other global markets.
For fast market rates comparison, visit YQN FCL rate search engine.
Need practical support for an upcoming shipment? Chat with our expert on WhatsApp: +44 7873 164583.
