Asia-Mediterranean container rates jump 7% to $3,800 as the transpacific cools ahead of 2027 contracts

Asia-Mediterranean container rates rose 7% to $3,800 per 40-foot equivalent last week even as the transpacific began to cool, the clearest sign yet that the container market is splitting along route lines just as carriers open negotiations for 2027 annual contracts. The Freightos Baltic Index update, published October 13, put Asia-US West Coast pricing at $8,150 per FEU, down 2% week on week, with Asia-North Europe and Asia-US East Coast holding flat. The two worlds are moving in opposite directions, and they carry different stories for anyone trying to lock in freight cost for next year.

Key Takeaways Asia-Mediterranean container rates rose 7% to $3,800 per FEU in the week to October 13, per…