Drewry

Red Sea attacks, global conflicts, and new U.S. tariffs are upending container shipping networks and driving up costs. With carriers rerouting around Africa and instability set to persist into 2026, ocean freight faces sustained pressure despite softening rates from Asia. Experts warn the storm is far from over.

While there was a large amount of speculation regarding an anticipated drop in United States-bound import declines driven by the myriad trade policy and tariff actions put into action by President Trump since his return to office, that speculation has become reality, based on sentiment from various industry stakeholders.

Drewry Survey: Most Expect Suez Canal to Reopen by Late 2025

Service adjustments, evolving alliances, and fluctuating import volumes highlight the key challenges and opportunities shippers face in the year ahead.

We’ve assembled our annual panel of logistics and freight transportation analysts to share their insights on rate patterns in all the major transport modes in an effort to help shippers prepare their freight transportation budget for the coming year.

With rates soaring and import growth robust, the current market appears favorable for carriers. However, our panel indicates that mixed economic indicators—the threat of a labor strike and an unstable geopolitical climate—could challenge this outlook in the coming months.

Drewry’s composite global index increased by 10%, driven by significant rate increases on major trade routes.

While managing significant volume swings driven by the pandemic and ongoing geopolitical issues, U.S. seaports continue to press forward with efforts to improve infrastructure and build in efficiencies an unwavering attitude that bodes well for the future.

Ocean shipping is again at the mercy of environmental and geopolitical events—and the pessimists are winning over the optimists on the high seas.

Hapag-Lloyd said that the objective of this new offering will be to deliver a flexible and interconnected ocean network with industry-leading reliability. And Maersk explained that the Gemini Cooperation will provide unprecedented reliability, speed-to-market, and geographical reach, as well as continuing to support decarbonization and the company’s future intention to be a net-zero company.

With too many vessels chasing too few cargoes, volumes—and rates—have spiraled downward. Consequently, the ocean lines are scrambling to find ways to prop up profits and remain competitive

Following a year of record revenue for carriers, shipping analysts see the pendulum swinging in the other direction, as rates are decreasing, volumes are falling, and new capacity is coming online.

After posting another record year of profits, worldwide recessionary and inflationary pressures are now chipping away at ocean carrier fortunes. As far as rates are concerned, our analysts suggest that shippers and freight forwarders will be able to do a little window shopping this year.

In this annual webcast, group editorial director Michael Levans hosts our panel of logistics and freight transportation analysts who share their insights on rate patterns in all the major transport modes in an effort to help shippers prepare their freight transportation budget for the coming year.

While the industry is still caught in the wake of the pandemic and the subsequent string of unprecedented events, profits for the top carriers has never been better.