Industry News
China-Gulf Freight Rates Rise as Hormuz Disruptions Offset Suez Rebound
The Drewry World Container Index reached $4,434 per 40ft container in early October 2026, marking a roughly 154 percent year-on-year increase. Despite an easing of Red Sea routing and a 68 percent rebound in Suez transits, China-to-Gulf shipping rates remained elevated due to disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. Ocean carrier Maersk has implemented emergency surcharges, constraining capacity between Chinese ports and Gulf hubs like Jebel Ali.
