Following a period of rate declines, recent developments in global ocean shipping suggest a more optimistic outlook for carriers. While uncertainty persists, several indicators point to strengthening conditions across major trade lanes.

Container shipping rates on Trans-Pacific Eastbound routes have reversed their downward trend. According to data reported by FreightWaves, the Freightos Baltic Index shows rates from Asia to U.S. West Coast ports rising by 18% per FEU, with East Coast rates increasing by 2%.

The Drewry World Container Index, cited by gCaptain, also reports rising spot rates across both Trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe corridors. In preparation for annual contract negotiations, carriers have announced additional rate increases, including a GRI scheduled for November 1. The GRI push by carriers is driven in part by expectations of a surge in bookings ahead of a proposed 100% tariff on Chinese imports, also set to take effect on November 1.

“With vessels currently sailing at full capacity and carriers successfully building roll pools, there is strong potential for this GRI to hold in the short term,” says Matthew Burgess, Vice President of LCL USA at Shipco Transport.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects that Asia will continue to be the primary engine of global growth, contributing approximately 60% in growth this year and next. This sustained momentum is reshaping global trade flows and reinforcing Asia’s central role in the global economy.

Meanwhile, globalization continues to evolve, not decline. According to Niels Rasmussen, Chief Shipping Analyst at BIMCO, the growth in global container volumes in 2026 will largely be driven by steady cargo flows on emerging trade lanes outside the U.S., including Asian exports to sub-Saharan Africa, South and Central America, and the European and Mediterranean regions.

Source: American Shipper, gCaptain, IMF