Executive Summary: Weekly International Logistics Report

Global container rates climbed broadly this week driven by pre-peak cargo rush ahead of upcoming U.S. tariff expiry and new transit rules at the Strait of Hormuz. Carriers raised multiple surcharges and arranged blank sailings to tighten capacity, causing widespread space shortages on Transpacific and Asia-Europe trades. Maersk and MSC rolled out several new direct liner services covering Australia, the Middle East and Vietnam. Latin American logistics grew steadily thanks to robust Chinese new-energy exports and Brazil’s new tax exemption on low-value inbound parcels. Traditional air cargo edged down while e-commerce charter prices kept rising, and freight is expected to stay firm into mid-July.

Ocean Freight Market

Global container indexes registered sharp weekly gains: Drewry WCI rose 6% to USD 2,712/FEU and China SCFI advanced 15.94% after five consecutive hikes. Transpacific spot rates hit USD 4,000/FEU for Shanghai-LA and USD 5,000/FEU for Shanghai-New York, up 10% and 14% respectively. Asia-Europe and Indian Subcontinent routes also saw double-digit rate increases, with the latter surging 45.4%. Major carriers imposed PSS and EFS alongside planned blank sailings, leaving mid-June cargo space largely fully booked.

Middle East Shipping Updates

Iran launched a mandatory digital pre-registration system for all vessels passing the Strait of Hormuz from June 2. Strengthened regional tensions lifted bunker costs; Maersk reported doubled monthly fuel expenses, which have been passed to shippers via updated surcharges. ADNOC speeds up alternate crude pipeline construction to bypass the strait and mitigate long-term shipping risks.

New Liner Service Launches by Top Global Carriers

Maersk opened its Qilin China-Australia direct service calling Shanghai, Sydney and Melbourne, and will implement new US & Canada terminal-related surcharges starting July 1. MSC partnered with Liaoning Port to launch a direct Dalian-Middle East route cutting redundant transshipment, with a China-Vietnam feeder service scheduled for June 19.

Latin America Logistics

Strong shipments of China’s new-energy and electrical goods keep straining available vessel space across Far East-Latin America lanes. Maersk has hiked Latin America PSS five times in 2026 within a range of USD 1,000–2,000 per FEU. Brazil’s duty-free policy for parcels under USD 50 boosted cross-border courier volumes by 28% month-on-month, pushing local players to expand domestic last-mile networks.

Port Infrastructure & Air Cargo Market Developments

Guangzhou Nansha Port Phase 5 construction started to add 6.7 million TEU annual capacity, while Hong Kong released new policies for smart and green port upgrade. Colombo suffers severe yard congestion leading to 2–4 day berth delays, and Vancouver Port labor dispute has been resolved with approval for four new berths. Globally, TAC air cargo index fell 4.9% for conventional cargo; e-commerce charter rates remained slightly up, and China opened 68 new international all-cargo routes in Jan-April.

Market Outlook

Container spot prices will likely keep rising toward mid-July on tight carrier-controlled capacity. Middle East freight costs will remain volatile subject to Hormuz regulation enforcement, and Latin American cross-border logistics will continue expanding under favorable Brazilian parcel tax rules.