The Drewry World Container Index climbed 5% to $4,166 per 40-foot container in the week of June 25, 2026 — the highest level since September 2024. The move was driven primarily by strengthening spot rates on the transpacific trade route, with Shanghai-to-New York rates jumping 6% to $7,149.
This is a meaningful escalation beyond what was covered in recent newsletters. The prior coverage noted an 18-month high; this is now a 22-month high, reflecting continued acceleration. Produce importers relying on ocean freight — particularly those sourcing from Peru, Chile, Ecuador, and Asia — are facing a compounding cost environment on top of already-elevated fuel and labor expenses.
Watch for this to start showing up in landed cost negotiations and FOB pricing conversations over the next few weeks, particularly for importers managing long-lead categories like blueberries, table grapes, and tropical fruit.