Container Freight Rates Split: Trans-Pacific Peaks, Europe Climbs Back

Trans-Pacific container spot rates stopped climbing last week, and the analyst reading them says the world's busiest ocean lane has now peaked. Asia to the U.S. West Coast edged up just 0.2% in the week ended October 23 to $8,311 per 40-foot equivalent unit, and Asia to the U.S. East Coast rose a matching 0.2% to $11,525, according to Xeneta data. Flat is the peak signal. "This confirms the U.S. trades have peaked and we expect them to soften through the remainder of 2026," Peter Sand, Xeneta's chief analyst, said in a note to clients.

Key Takeaways Asia to the U.S. West Coast spot rates sat at $8,311 per FEU for the week ended October 23, up only 0.2% on the week and 342% above the pre-Hormu…