U.S. East Coast freight rates surge 95.3% as Middle East costs rise

Sep 15, 2026 00:56 (38d ago)

Korean export freight rates to the U.S. East Coast reached a 2025 high of 9.97 million won per 2 TEU in August.
The East Coast rate rose 95.3% from April, while Middle East rates increased 1.7% from July and 133.7% year on year.
Most other export and import routes became cheaper, although U.S. West Coast and Japan import rates increased.

Ocean freight rates for Korean exports to the U.S. East Coast rose 95.3% from April to 9.97 million won ($7,200) per 2 TEU in August, the highest level this year, according to the Korea Customs Service. The rate increased 24.8% from July and 75.8% from a year earlier, marking a fourth consecutive monthly gain since May. Middle East rates rose 1.7% from July to about 8.84 million won per 2 TEU, or 8.83 million won for a 40-foot container in the agency's other reported figure, and increased 133.7% year on year, the sharpest annual gain among seven export routes. Rates to the European Union, China, Japan and Vietnam declined month on month, while import rates mostly fell.