🚢 Ocean Freight Is Exploding – Here’s What 3 , 000 to 6,600 in Just One Week Means for Your Steel Orders

If you are still waiting to place your next steel order, you may be about to pay thousands of dollars more for the same container. Ocean freight is climbing at an unprecedented speed, and the worst is yet to come.

 – Most major carriers have diverted vessels around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid security threats in the Red Sea. This alone has removed 25–30% of global effective capacity, stretching voyage times by 10–14 days per loop.

 – Severe water shortages have restricted daily transit slots, creating massive vessel congestion at both ends of the canal. Some ships wait weeks just to cross.

 – Shipping lines are deliberately blanking sailings and controlling space supply to drive spot rates higher – a strategy they have used repeatedly post-pandemic.

 – Bunker fuel prices keep climbing, pushing up BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) surcharges. Meanwhile, the EU’s carbon emission tax is adding another layer of operational cost on carriers, which is being passed directly to shippers.

📍 Colombia (South America) – At the end of May, freight from China to Colombia was around 3,000per FEU. Just one week later, in early June, "diamond"priority space has jumped to 6,000. That is more than double in days, not months.

📍 Indonesia (Southeast Asia) – The Southeast Asian market is now facing an extreme space crunch. Booking space for Indonesia has become a battle – many shipments are being rolled. Rates are rising by the day, and space is nearly impossible to secure at regular prices.

All indicators point to another sharp, broad‑based increase by the end of this month. Freight to the Middle East, Africa, and South America will follow the same upward curve. If you think $6,600 is high, wait another two weeks.

Do not wait for a “better rate” – there will be none. Book your shipping space as early as possible to fix your transport cost. Every week of delay could cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars per container.

CNB Group is closely monitoring the situation. We strongly advise you to finalize your orders and confirm shipping schedules immediately. Once your steel is ready, we will help you secure space before the next wave of rate hikes hits.

📩 Contact us today – lock in your product price and your freight cost now.