Summary
Read original article →
Global container demand rose about 4% year-to-date through early July 2026, with year-on-year growth back near 3%, according to the latest ocean freight market update. Persistent Red Sea diversions around the Cape of Good Hope, longer voyage cycles and selective carrier capacity management kept the Drewry World Container Index near $4,639 per 40ft in the July 9 reading, well above historical averages. Space remains tight on Asia–Europe and transpacific lanes, with advance bookings recommended for July–August shipments.