Ocean Freight Market Update
October 2026
What’s shaping Ocean Freight in 2026? Explore how various global dynamics are impacting the industry.
Global Ocean Freight Market Overview
Demand
- Global ocean freight demand grew 5% year to date, driven by 8% growth in Asian exports.
- Peak season demand is gradually easing, while Asian exports and secondary trades remain strong.
Capacity
- Global fleet capacity is forecast to grow 4% year over year in 2026.
- More than 10% of the global fleet remains tied up in port congestion, equivalent to 3.6 million TEU.
Rates/News
- Global market rates remain more than double last year’s level as port congestion keeps pressure on capacity.
- Suez routings continue to return, while mixed routings and network realignment affect schedule reliability.
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Latest Trade Lane Updates
Far East Westbound
- Asia-Europe demand remains strong, with headhaul growth continuing to outpace backhaul volumes.
- Rates remain elevated and are expected to increase as congestion and capacity constraints persist.
Transpacific Eastbound
- Demand remains resilient despite the gradual easing of peak season volumes.
- Rates are stabilizing at high levels and are expected to soften into Q4.
Asia to Middle East, North Africa and Turkey (MENAT)
- Demand growth remains strong as regional trade flows continue to adjust to geopolitical conditions.
- Capacity remains constrained as congestion and regional disruption continue to affect operations.
Indian Subcontinent to Europe/Mediterranean
- Demand remains mixed, with year-to-date volumes below last year despite recent year-over-year growth.
- Capacity is expected to remain tight as demand exceeds available supply through the remainder of the year.
Indian Subcontinent to United States
- Demand remains elevated compared with last year overall despite softer recent monthly performance.
- Capacity is expected to remain constrained due to ongoing carrier capacity discipline.
Asia to Latin America
- Demand remains strong, particularly on East Coast services where volume growth continues to outperform other trades.
- Rates remain volatile as demand, congestion, and capacity constraints continue to influence the market.
Trans-Atlantic
- Demand remains relatively stable, with mixed performance across individual trade flows.
- Capacity continues to exceed demand across the trade lane.
Detailed Ocean Freight Market Update
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