The increase in container freight rates since 2020 surprised many. The limited reduction of freight rates following lockdowns in Shanghai, the world’s largest container port, has also been a surprise to some. People are questioning why freight rates are not falling more quickly.
Lockdowns closed much of the Shanghai export hub in March but freight rates have only declined gently. Spot rates have remained at levels double the 5-year average of about $3,300/40ft container.
Analysts suggest that freight rates are no longer driven primarily by the supply-demand balance. Container network inefficiencies and widespread port congestion and inland bottlenecks are big factors supporting freight rates.