Plan Ahead: Asia-Europe Freight Rates Expected To Increase From July

Asia–Europe ocean freight rates are seemingly increasing once more, as leading carrier networks prepare to introduce a General Rate Increase from 1 July.

Current demand continues to exceed available capacity, giving carriers greater leverage to apply additional rate rises following the GRI introduced earlier this month. The size of the increase will differ by service, trade lane and carrier.

Although major carrier networks appear to be running close to full capacity, with only three blank sailings reported this week, space across Asia remains extremely limited.

Many carriers are no longer able to take bookings for departures before July or for later sailings, as securing space becomes increasingly challenging, particularly for last-minute shipments. Importers are therefore strongly encouraged to plan ahead and place bookings as early as possible.

At this stage, it remains uncertain whether the current level of demand reflects an early peak season, with importers bringing orders forward, or whether these conditions will continue through to Golden Week in October.

Croft Cargo continues to monitor the situation closely and is working with regional partners to secure available space wherever possible. For further information, or if you have concerns about urgent shipments, please contact a member of our team.