Xeneta Weekly Ocean Container Shipping Market Update: Rates Trending Higher in International Shipping News 15/06/2026 The Xeneta Weekly Ocean Container Shipping Market Update provides data and intelligence including the latest freight rate and capacity movements across global trades with supporting insight from Peter Sand, Xeneta Chief Analyst. Xeneta analyst insight – shippers face doubling freight rates and delays exporting goods out of Asia Peter Sand, Xeneta Chief Analyst: “Spot rates remain elevated across major fronthaul trades with further increases expected mid-June as disruption from Middle East conflict continues to bite hard. From Far East to US West Coast and US East Coast, spot rates are up 127% and 106% respectively since pre-Strait of Hormuz crisis and could double again before peaking. It is possible rates could get close to the Red Sea crisis peak in 2024, so shippers should act decisively to reduce their exposure to the spot market. “Shippers are not only paying the price in freight rates, there are also delays exporting goods out of the Far East. Even large volume shippers with valid long term contracts are unable to move containers, with carriers stating services are fully booked into July. But a ship that is fully booked weeks into the future did not become fully booked yesterday – this demand has been building, so what have carriers been waiting for? “Offered capacity on Far East fronthauls is essentially flat compared to pre-Strait of Hormuz crisis, up +1% to both US West Coast and US East Coast, up +2% into North Europe and down -7% into Mediterranean. Offered capacity is now starting to increase, but rates have already spiralled and containers are being rolled, so it is a case of too little, too late for shippers. “Carriers driving up freight rates and rolling containers risks damaging relationships with shippers who remember how they are treated during the tough times. But carriers entered 2026 fearing a loss-making position, so they will d