Suez return could limit November freight rate increases, Sogese warns

Container shipping lines may struggle to secure the full freight rate increases announced for November as more vessel capacity returns to the Asia–Europe trade through the Suez Canal, according to a new market report from Italian logistics company Sogese.

In its November 2026 Europe Container Market Update, Sogese highlights the growing gap between carriers’ announced rates and current market assessments. Although freight rates have recovered from their earlier declines, increasing vessel availability could limit further gains.

The report also warns that the return to shorter Suez routings is progressing faster than improvements in schedule reliability, creating additional challenges for shippers and logistics operators.

According to Drewry’s World Container Index, average container freight rates stood at US$4,389 per 40-foot container on 5 November, down from US$4,585 on 22 October.

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