Wednesday, 30 September 2026

Global shipping rates ease as new vessels join major routes

Container freight costs on Asia-Europe lanes fell for a fourth week as fresh capacity arrived.

Quick read

  • Freight rates fell for the fourth week in a row
  • Dozens of new container ships entered service this year
  • Exporters may see lower costs ahead of the holiday season

Singapore: Container shipping rates on the main Asia-Europe routes fell for a fourth straight week, as newly built vessels joined fleets and added capacity.

Analysts said the decline could lower costs for exporters shipping goods ahead of the year-end holiday season in Europe and North America.

Port congestion has also eased at several hubs, cutting average waiting times for berths.

  • Shipping
  • Trade
  • Freight