China Freight & Shipping News
Expert shipping guides, freight rate updates, and logistics insights for China to Bangladesh, Israel, and worldwide destinations.
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WCI Climbs to 4,500 as the Golden Week Rush Splits the Market: Transpacific Up, Asia-Europe Down, Red Sea Risk Back
The Drewry World Container Index rose 1 percent to 4,500 USD per FEU in the week of September 17, with Shanghai to Los Angeles up 5 percent and Shanghai to New York up 7 percent ahead of Golden Week, while Shanghai to Rotterdam slid 9 percent. Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd expand their Suez return even as Houthi control of Bab el-Mandeb deepens, Kpler records only 24 commodity transits per day, and Durban Pier 2 waiting times exceed 13 days. Chittagong delivers a productivity milestone at Patenga.
Golden Week Blank Sailings Jump 56 Percent in a Week as Carriers Add More Suez Services
Drewry reports announced blank sailings on the main east-west trades jumped nearly 56 percent in a single week, from 39 to 70 voyages, with 79 of 721 departures cancelled between September 14 and October 18. Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd add four more Asia-Mediterranean-Europe services to Suez even as Houthi forces tighten control of Bab el-Mandeb. Transpacific rates firm, Asia-Europe softens, and Bangladesh inland diesel shortages plus new Africa surcharges decide whether cargo arrives on time.
Suez Return Goes Mainstream: COSCO and OOCL Join From September 15 as Cape Diversions Fall to a Two-Year Low
COSCO and OOCL begin eastbound Suez Canal transits on September 15, joining CMA CGM, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, while capacity still diverted around the Cape of Good Hope falls to 4.6 percent of the global fleet, a two-year low. Asia-Europe rates slide toward USD 3,480 per 40 ft as transpacific holds and congestion shifts downstream to South Asia and the Indian subcontinent. What China shippers moving to Bangladesh, Israel, Africa and the Middle East should do now.
Pre-Golden Week Squeeze: SCFI Posts Seventh Straight Gain as Red Sea Chokepoints Tighten and Africa Surcharges Bite
The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index rose 2 percent to 3,662.18 on September 11, a seventh consecutive weekly gain, while the Drewry World Container Index held at USD 4,476 per 40 ft. Houthi forces completed their takeover of the Yemeni Red Sea coast, Saudi Arabia shut its main East-West pipeline, and Durban congestion surcharges take effect September 15. Here is what China shippers moving cargo to Bangladesh, Israel, Africa and the Middle East should do before Golden Week.
Hormuz Escalation Meets Golden Week Blank Sailings: WCI Steady at USD 4,476 as Risk Premiums Climb on Middle East Trades
United States forces sank five Iranian tankers on September 9 and Iran retaliated against ten commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, pushing Brent above USD 102. Drewry WCI holds at USD 4,476 per 40 ft while carriers blank more than 18 sailings before Golden Week and Panama cuts transits to 32 per day. What China shippers should do now.
Chittagong Port Raises Fees 41 Percent in First Tariff Overhaul for Almost 40 Years: Cost Impact on China-Bangladesh Cargo and the Golden Week Capacity Squeeze
The Chittagong Port Authority has gazetted an average 41 percent service charge increase effective September 15, the first major tariff revision since the 1980s. Meanwhile Drewry WCI holds at USD 4,465 per 40 ft, carriers deepen Golden Week blank sailings and COSCO launches direct China-Jeddah services. What China shippers should do this week.
Carriers Begin a Cautious Return to the Red Sea: Suez Pilot Sailings, Steady Middle East Rates and a Recovering Chittagong
MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd and COSCO have all moved at least one service back through Suez, with about 19% of Asia-Europe capacity already off the Cape route. Middle East rates hold near USD 6,135 per TEU while Chittagong congestion eases after the strike-driven peak of last week. What China shippers should watch before Golden Week.
SCFI Rallies for Sixth Week to Two-Year High: Chittagong Congestion and Golden Week Blank Sailings Test Asia Exporters
The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index climbed 2.29% on September 4 to 3,590.05 points — its highest level since mid-July 2024 — as trans-Pacific rates keep climbing while Europe softens. Meanwhile a transport strike has pushed Chittagong import containers to 38,159 TEU, above yard capacity, and Maersk, MSC and Hapag-Lloyd published their Golden Week blank-sailing programs.
September 2026 Global Freight Market Update: US East Coast Rates Near Record, Europe Eases Ahead of Golden Week
A sharply divided freight market: Far East–US East Coast spot rates hit $10,910 per FEU — just 14% below the Covid-19 record — while Asia–Europe rates fall for a third month. Typhoon congestion in China, the gradual return of the Suez Canal, and Golden Week blank sailings explained.
Bangladesh & Israel Logistics Dynamics 2026: Supply Chain Transformation and Cross-Border E-Commerce Opportunities
As global supply chains continue to restructure, Bangladesh and Israel are driving regional logistics industry transformation in distinct yet equally remarkable ways. In 2026, both countries demonstrate strong momentum in infrastructure upgrades, technology innovation, and cross-border e-commerce expansion.
139th Canton Fair 2026: What Buyers Need to Know About Shipping After the Fair
The 139th Canton Fair is wrapping up Phase 2 (April 23–27) with record overseas attendance. If you've placed orders at the fair, here's your complete logistics guide — shipping timelines, freight options, customs tips, and how Spider Logistics can help move your goods.
April 2026 Global Freight Market Update: Rates, Tariffs & What Shippers Must Know
Hormuz disruption continues to push sea freight costs higher, US tariffs on China goods rise to 15%, and air cargo rates on China–USA lanes drop 16% this week. Full April 2026 market intelligence for importers and exporters.
March 2026 Shipping Update: From China to Israel
Air and sea freight rates, transit times, and the latest market trends for the China–Israel trade lane — including the impact of route diversions and airspace restrictions.
March 2026 Shipping Update: From China to Bangladesh
Latest air and sea freight rates, transit times, Guangzhou and Hong Kong flight options, and post-Ramadan logistics trends — a comprehensive March 2026 update for the China–Bangladesh trade lane.
DHL, UPS & FedEx Fuel Surcharge Increase — March 2026 Update
All three major carriers have raised fuel surcharges significantly in March 2026, with UPS and FedEx reaching 33.25% for the week of March 7–14. Here's what shippers need to know and how to manage the impact.
Complete Guide to Shipping from China to the USA in 2025
Everything you need to know about shipping freight from China to the United States — modes, costs, timelines, and customs tips.
5 Logistics Tips Every Cross-Border E-Commerce Seller Must Know
Running an online store and shipping internationally? These five practical tips will help you cut costs, speed up delivery, and keep customers happy.
LCL vs. FCL: Which Container Shipping Option Is Right for You?
Confused about LCL and FCL shipping? We break down the differences, costs, and best use cases to help you make the right decision.
How to Clear Customs Smoothly When Exporting from China
Customs delays are costly. Learn the essential documents and best practices for smooth export clearance from China.
Why Shenzhen Is China's Most Powerful Logistics Hub
Shenzhen's location, infrastructure, and tech ecosystem make it the go-to hub for international freight. Here's what makes it unique.