Global Freight Recap: Softening Demand and the Singapore Bottleneck

As we enter December, the Drewry World Container Index has settled at approximately $1,806 per 40ft container, representing a cooling of the market after the volatility of November. While rates are stabilizing, schedule reliability remains a major concern. The primary bottleneck at the end of 2025 is Singapore, which is currently facing severe transshipment delays of 2 to 5 days. This congestion is rippling through the Asia-Pacific network, causing delays in Australian and North American import timelines.

In the air freight sector, capacity remains extremely tight. The surge in e-commerce demand, combined with the earlier “front-loading” of cargo to avoid 2026 tariff changes, has pushed air cargo rates to their highest levels of the year. Logistics providers are warning that relief is not expected until at least mid-January 2026. Shippers are advised to prioritize urgent deliveries now and take advantage of the currently favorable ocean rates before the pre-Chinese New Year rush begins in early February.

Source: TFG Global Freight Update