Ocean Freight Market Update
November 2026
What’s shaping Ocean Freight in 2026? Explore how various global dynamics are impacting the industry.
Global Ocean Freight Market Overview
Demand
- Global container demand increased 5% year to date and 4% year over year, driven by continued growth in Asian exports.
- Demand remains strong across major Asia export trades, with reduced peak season expected to continue through the summer.
Capacity
- Effective capacity remains constrained by port congestion at 2022 highs and ongoing vessel detours via alternative routings.
- Nominal fleet capacity is expected to grow 4% in 2026, below the historical average growth rate.
Rates/News
- Freight rates remain elevated as strong demand continues to outpace available capacity on key trades.
- Middle East disruption, Red Sea restrictions, and continued energy market volatility are maintaining operational uncertainty across global supply chains.
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Latest Trade Lane Updates
Far East Westbound
- Demand remains strong, with FEWB volumes up 9% year to date while backhaul demand remains flat.
- Rates are rising through year-end, driven by strong demand and congestion at both ends.
Transpacific Eastbound
- Demand remains broadly flat, while disruption in Asia continues to affect schedule reliability.
- Rates are stabilizing at high levels and are expected to soften slightly into Q4.
Asia to Middle East, North Africa and Turkey (MENAT)
- Demand is up 9% year to date and 1% year over year following an earlier decline.
- Capacity remains tight as Middle East disruption continues to affect network fluidity and schedule reliability.
Indian Subcontinent to Europe/Mediterranean
- Demand remains softer, with Indian Subcontinent to Europe volumes down 6% year to date and year over year.
- Congestion has increased in India following cargo surges at key transshipment ports and recent weather disruption.
Indian Subcontinent to United States
- Demand remains above last year overall, with volumes up 8% year to date and 1% year over year.
- Capacity conditions remain tight on the Indian Subcontinent to North America trade.
Asia to Latin America
- Demand remains strong, with volumes up 11% year to date to the West Coast and 8% to the East Coast.
- Rates remain volatile as high demand drives utilisation above 98% and limits the seasonal downturn.
Trans-Atlantic
- Europe to North America demand is broadly stable year to date, while volumes are up 7% year over year.
- Capacity continues to exceed demand on the Europe to North America trade.
Detailed Ocean Freight Market Update
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