Sea freight brief

Sea freight rates for November 2026: Far East to the Mediterranean up, Gulf indices down

Carriers raised Far East to Mediterranean rates for 1 to 14 November 2026, the Drewry index rose for a second week, and the Chinese CCFI index fell on the Mediterranean and the Gulf.

Valid 1–14 NovemberDrewry WCI +2%Gulf index -5.4%

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Published 2026-10-28 · MIDTRANS SHIPPING AND SERVICES

Reviewed by Khaldoun Al-Khouli, General Manager

Carrier rates for 1–14 November

Far East to East Med: USD 4,200 / 5,200 (CMA CGM).

Drewry index

USD 4,585 per 40ft, up 2% on 22 October.

Chinese CCFI index

Mediterranean -2%, Gulf and Red Sea -5.4%.

What it means

Short-lived rates: quotes confirm the rate on the day.

Carrier announcements

Far East to the Mediterranean: new rates for 1 to 14 November

CMA CGM announced FAK rates from Asia valid from 1 to 14 November 2026: USD 4,200 per 20ft and USD 5,200 per 40ft to the East Mediterranean and the Black Sea, USD 3,900 and USD 4,900 to the West Mediterranean, and USD 5,300 and USD 7,100 to North Africa. They cover basic freight, bunker, ETS and low-sulphur charges; terminal handling and local charges are extra.

MSC published a price announcement for the Far East to the Mediterranean valid from 1 November and not beyond 14 November 2026: about USD 4,000 per 20ft and USD 5,100 per 40ft high cube to the East Mediterranean, according to a published copy of the notice.

Valid 1–14 November only
Local charges extra
New rates expected after 14 November

Drewry

Drewry World Container Index up for a second week

On 22 October 2026 the Drewry World Container Index rose 2% to USD 4,585 per 40ft container, its highest in 15 weeks. Shanghai to Genoa rose 5% to USD 4,152 and Shanghai to Rotterdam 3% to USD 3,632.

Drewry expects Asia to Europe rates to rise slightly the following week amid tight capacity, and says the outlook depends on demand, capacity and regional security.

Composite USD 4,585 per 40ft
Shanghai–Genoa USD 4,152
Next release 29 October

Chinese index

CCFI: the Mediterranean and the Gulf fall

In the China Containerized Freight Index of 23 October 2026, the Mediterranean sub-index fell 2% and the Persian Gulf and Red Sea sub-index fell 5.4%.

Mediterranean -2%
Gulf and Red Sea -5.4%

What it means

What it means for shipments to Syria

Rates from the Far East to the Mediterranean, the route to Latakia and Tartous, are rising at the start of November, and the new carrier rates last two weeks. Rates into the Gulf are easing slightly.

Our published rates were updated on 28 October 2026 on the shipping rates page, each with its validity date. Every quote confirms the rate on the day of booking.

Far East–Med rates up
Gulf rates easing
Rates confirmed at booking

Sources

Container News: CMA CGM raises Asia–Mediterranean rates (1–14 November 2026) · 2026-10-20
MSC: Price announcement, Far East to North Europe, Mediterranean and Black Sea · 2026-10-17
Drewry: World Container Index, 22 October 2026 · 2026-10-22
Shanghai Shipping Exchange: China Containerized Freight Index (CCFI) · 2026-10-23

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Are sea freight rates to the Mediterranean rising in November 2026?

Yes. CMA CGM and MSC announced new Far East to Mediterranean rates valid from 1 to 14 November 2026, and the Drewry index rose 5% on Shanghai to Genoa on 22 October.

How long are the November rates valid?

The carrier rates announced for November are valid from 1 to 14 November 2026; new rates are expected after that.

Are rates into the Gulf rising too?

No. On 23 October 2026 the Chinese CCFI index fell 5.4% for the Persian Gulf and Red Sea.

Where can I see your current rates?

On our shipping rates page, updated on 28 October 2026, each rate with its validity date. A quote confirms the rate for your shipment.

Shipping to Syria or the Gulf in November?

Send us your shipment details and we confirm the rate valid on the day.

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