Asia-US container rates rise while Europe trades weaken; SCFI edges up 0.4% w-o-w

• US-bound rates strengthen as transpacific trades outperform
• Europe-bound freights diverge amid continued capacity pressure

The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) edged up 0.4% w-o-w to 3,679.58 on 19 October 2026 from 3,664.11 a week earlier, indicating a largely stable market with mixed trends across major trade routes. Gains on US-bound services, supported by relatively firm demand and carrier efforts to sustain rates, offset weakness on Europe-bound routes, where ample vessel capacity and subdued booking activity continued to weigh on freight levels.

Transpacific rates strengthened, with Asia-West Coast America increasing 3.1% w-o-w to 1,855.86 from 1,800.35, while Asia-East Coast America rose 2.6% to 2,080.83 from 2,027.62. The gains indicate comparatively firm pricing on US-bound services, supported by carrier efforts to maintain rates amid changing booking demand and capacity deployment.

The Asia-Europe market weakened, with rates falling 3.9% w-o-w to 1,855.62 from 1,931.69. The decline reflects continued pressure from available vessel capacity and subdued cargo demand, with the return of services through the Suez Canal potentially adding to capacity on the trade. Asia-Mediterranean rates also eased 0.8% to 2,354.59 from 2,374.53, indicating persistent pressure on Europe-bound services despite a more moderate decline.

Outlook

Container freight trends are likely to remain divided, with US-bound routes showing relative resilience while Europe-bound services face pressure from capacity availability and uncertain cargo demand. Developments in Red Sea security and Suez Canal routings will remain key factors influencing vessel deployment and freight rates in the coming weeks.