From The Economic Times · ANI · · 1m
Container freight prices surge 130% since February
Global shipping costs jumped 130% since February 2026 as Middle East tensions rise.
In brief
Global shipping costs jumped 130% since February 2026 as Middle East tensions rise. Global container freight rates surged 130% since February 2026 due to Middle East tensions. Originally reported by The Economic Times.
Global freight rates surge
Global container freight rates have surged 130 percent since February 2026 amid renewed tensions in West Asia.
“Freight rates have risen 130 per cent since Feb-26, due to the impact of Middle-East tensions.”
Rate increase impact
Rates rose from USD 2,000-2,500 in February 2026 to USD 4,000-4,500 in October 2026.
India trade growth
India's container trade grew 23% year-on-year in September 2026 with exports to the US up 48%.
Regional trade shifts
Exports to UAE and Saudi Arabia declined 12-15% year-on-year in September 2026.
Suez Canal factor
Jefferies highlighted shipping lines returning to Suez Canal as key factor amid Middle East tensions.
“The potential impact of shipping lines' return to the Suez Canal, despite Middle East tensions, is a key monitorable.”
Trade flow impact
Higher freight rates may slow India's export-import growth as trade flows expand.
The one thing
Global container freight rates surged 130% since February 2026 due to Middle East tensions.
