Reuters (17 Sep 2026, Lisa Baertlein) reports that the off-contract ocean container rate from China to the U.S. East Coast has returned to levels last seen after COVID disrupted global trade. Xeneta data put the spot at USD 10,948 per 40-foot container — more than quadrupling since the Iran war started on 28 February — and just short of the all-time high of USD 11,900 in January 2022 on that lane.
Drewry’s World Container Index on Thursday showed Shanghai–New York up nearly 7% week on week to USD 10,394 per FEU, while Shanghai–Los Angeles rose 5% to USD 7,712. Daily Cargo News’ 17 Sep WCI roundup puts the composite index at USD 4,500 (+1%), with nine Transpacific blank sailings announced for the following week (up from eight). Both Drewry and Xeneta expect pre-Golden Week shipments to push Shanghai–New York higher.
Higher bunker costs are feeding surcharges: Ship & Bunker’s global 20-port average for very low sulphur fuel oil hit USD 901.50 per metric ton on Thursday, up from USD 543.50 on 27 February (still below the 20 March peak of USD 1,053). Xeneta’s Peter Sand said a new East Coast record this month cannot be ruled out as shippers rush cargo before early-October factory holidays. Methodologies differ; spot indices may cover roughly half of cargo on the water.