Carriers’ November rate hikes ‘doomed’ say analysts, as demand goes flat

Container spot freight rates on the transpacific eastbound trade, as recorded by Drewry, saw its steepest one-week fall since June 2025 after this year’s protracted peak season came to an end.

Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI) saw the spot rate on its Shanghai-Los Angeles decline 6% week on week, to end at $7,514 per 40ft, while the Shanghai-New York route was down 5%, to $9,631 per 40ft.

“According to the US National Retail Federation, US ocean import volumes are forecast to decrease 11% month on month in November, which could put further downward pressure on freight rates,” it added.

However, in a sign that the market is in a state of flux, US forwarders reported a “stable” week, rather than one characterised by falling prices.

This story was originally published by The Loadstar. Read the full story at The Loadstar →