Container rates tick higher as Red Sea and Hormuz risk returns

Drewry's World Container Index increased 1% to $4,297 per 40-foot box in the week of 6 August 2026, ending three weeks of decline. The rebound was led by Trans-Pacific and Transatlantic lanes, while Asia–Europe stayed softer. Carriers are still blanking sailings to match weaker forward demand after tariff-driven front-loading faded. Security risk rose again: a fatal attack on a cargo vessel near Bab el-Mandeb on 11 August, and Strait of Hormuz transits reported as low as six ships on 10 August versus roughly 130–140 a day before the conflict. Importers should plan longer lead times, higher war-risk insurance and optional west-coast or rail combinations rather than a single east-coast all-water bet.