Market update
Xeneta market data shows China-Gulf ocean spot rates at record highs in September 2026 as Red Sea capacity returns only in part — a clear signal to book early and budget for elevated freight.
Published · Midtrans Shipping And Services
Reviewed by Khaldoun Al-Khouli, General Manager
What record ocean spot rates mean for your China-Gulf cargo.
China-Middle East spot rates set new records in Sep 2026 (Xeneta).
USD 10,870 per FEU on 10 September; Khor al Fakkan +479%.
Bab el-Mandeb ~212,636 TEU/wk, about 23% of August 2023.
Book early and budget for elevated, volatile freight.
Records
Container spot rates from China to the Middle East set new records in September 2026, as capacity through the Red Sea returned only in part. These are Xeneta market spot-rate index figures — a picture of the wider ocean market, not MIDTRANS SHIPPING AND SERVICES published rates.
The numbers
According to Xeneta data (11 September 2026), the China-Jeddah spot rate had climbed 256% since late February to USD 10,870 per FEU on 10 September, while China-Khor al Fakkan was up 479% at USD 10,626 per FEU — both above their Covid-era peaks.
Facing record China-Gulf rates? MIDTRANS will find the workable routing for your cargo.
Why
Weekly capacity through the Bab el-Mandeb strait stood at about 212,636 TEU in August 2026 — roughly 23% of the 930,679 TEU recorded in August 2023. Xeneta's chief analyst, Peter Sand, called the return of Red Sea capacity the single biggest variable in the ocean freight market.
What it means
On China-Gulf lanes, expect elevated rates, tighter space and longer transits until capacity normalises — so early booking and realistic freight budgeting matter more than usual.
MIDTRANS
MIDTRANS SHIPPING AND SERVICES plans the routing, secures space and manages arrival and customs clearance, so that even a volatile market still lands as a delivered shipment. Ask us for current options on your China-Gulf lane.
FAQ
No. These are Xeneta market spot-rate index figures — a picture of the wider ocean market, not MIDTRANS published rates. For an actual price on your China-Gulf shipment, ask us for a quote.
Per Xeneta (11 September 2026), China-Jeddah reached USD 10,870 per FEU on 10 September (+256% since late February) and China-Khor al Fakkan USD 10,626 (+479%) — both above their Covid-era peaks.
Capacity through the Bab el-Mandeb strait was about 212,636 TEU a week in August 2026 — roughly 23% of August 2023 — so space is tight. Xeneta calls the return of Red Sea capacity the single biggest variable in the market.
Weekly capacity through the Bab el-Mandeb strait was about 212,636 TEU in August 2026, roughly 23% of the 930,679 TEU recorded in August 2023, according to Xeneta data reported on 11 September 2026. Xeneta's chief analyst, Peter Sand, called the return of Red Sea capacity the single biggest variable in the ocean freight market.
Book early, because space is tight, and budget for elevated and volatile freight. Transits can also run longer until Red Sea capacity normalises, so allow for that in the delivery window you agree with your buyer.
MIDTRANS plans the routing, secures space and manages arrival and customs clearance at destination, with a partner office in Guangzhou and Hong Kong on the China side and a head office in Dubai. Send the lane, commodity, volume and ready date for the current options on that shipment.
Tell us your lane and cargo — MIDTRANS will plan routing, secure space and handle arrival and customs clearance.
International Shipping & Customs Assistant
