Average spot rates have fallen on all Far East fronthauls to the US and Europe in the past week, but there may be a sting in the tail for shippers with carriers expected to begin blanking sailings more aggressively.
Xeneta analyst insight
Peter Sand, Xeneta Chief Analyst:
“Average spot rates have fallen on all Far East fronthauls to the US and Europe in the past week, but there may be a sting in the tail for shippers with carriers expected to begin blanking sailings more aggressively.
“The steepest spot rate decline is found from Far East to Mediterranean, down -6.6%, followed by -5.3% to North Europe, -5% to US East Coast and -3.1% into US West Coast.
“Carriers will begin blanking sailings more aggressively in a bid to tighten capacity and bring the decline in freight rates under control.
“If a shipper expects cargo to leave port on a certain date, they should factor the risk of that service being blanked – potentially at the last minute – and the subsequent ripple effects of delays on their supply chain.
“Shippers may benefit from overcapacity if it forces lower freight rates, but if that overcapacity also causes increased blanked sailings, there could be an operational price to pay.
“Maersk has already reported a loss for its ocean segment in Q4 2025 (APMM Q4-2025 EBIT for Ocean at -$153m) and all carriers will face overcapacity challenges in 2026. Carriers will not sit and watch freight rates fall, with blanking sailings being just one tool at their disposal..”
Data highlights
Market average spot rates – 5 February 2026
Far East to US West Coast: USD 2,124 per FEU (40ft container)
Far East to US East Coast: USD 2,946 per FEU
Far East to North Europe: USD 2,466 per FEU
Far East to Mediterranean: USD 3,929 per FEU
North Europe to US East Coast: USD 1,491 per FEU
Offered capacity (4-week rolling average) – w/c 2 February 2026
Far East to US West Coast: -2.1% from a week ago
Far East to US East Coast: +8.1% from a week ago
Far East to North Europe: -1.3% from a week ago
Far East to Mediterranean: -3.6% from a week ago
North Europe to US East Coast: +9.6% from a week ago
Source: Xeneta
