The Drewry World Container Index reached $4,434 per 40ft container in early October 2026, reflecting a year-on-year rise of roughly 154 percent, according to industry data published by Keerki Limited.
While Red Sea routing conditions eased and Suez Canal transits recorded a 68 percent rebound, freight costs from China to the Gulf remained elevated. Ongoing disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have offset gains from the Suez recovery.
In response to operational challenges along the corridor, ocean carrier Maersk levied an emergency surcharge of $1,000 per standard container and up to $3,800 for specialized units.
Importers operating between major Chinese hubs such as Shanghai and Ningbo and Gulf destinations including Jebel Ali and Dammam are facing constrained shipping capacity ahead of the fourth quarter.
Sources
- Keerki Limited · 2026-10-02
