Global container freight rates rose to a two-year high as shippers rushed to move cargo ahead of tariff policy changes and disruptions persisted. Drewry's World Container Index (WCI) shows rates more than doubled in Q2 and peaked in the week to July

2026-08-27

Global container freight rates rose to a two-year high as shippers rushed to move cargo ahead of tariff policy changes and disruptions persisted. Drewry's World Container Index (WCI) shows rates more than doubled in Q2 and peaked in the week to July 9 at $4,639 per 40-foot container, the highest level in 2024; operators have also faced transport risk from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.