November 11, 2026. Ocean rates from Asia to the United States slipped in the past week, while air cargo from China to North America rose above 8 dollars per kilo. Freightos' weekly update of November 10 shows Asia-US West Coast down 1 % and Asia-US East Coast down 2 %.
Ocean: easing, still high
Supply Chain Dive put the figures at 8,245 dollars per 40-foot container (FEU) to the West Coast and 9,708 dollars to the East Coast, against 2,958 and 3,513 dollars a year ago. Freightos said slower demand may be a factor. The National Retail Federation's Global Port Tracker projects US imports of 2.05 million TEU in November and 2.03 million in December, below the 2.26 million estimated for October.
NRF's Jonathan Gold tied delays to high volumes, "particularly on the West Coast where cargo has sat for extended periods waiting to be transferred to rail cars." Elsewhere, Asia-North Europe fell 5 % to about 3,400 dollars per FEU (50 % above last year) and Asia-Mediterranean fell 1 % to about 4,300 dollars (88 % higher).
Air: back at last year's peak
China-North America air rates rose 3 % to more than 8 dollars per kilo, matching last year's high from mid-December 2025, and China-North Europe rose 11 % to 4.87 dollars. Xeneta data published by Payload Asia show global air cargo demand up 6 % year on year in October with flat capacity and an average spot rate of 3.11 dollars per kilo, 29 % higher. "It's strong, but it's not a 'peak' season," said Xeneta's Niall van de Wouw. Xeneta expects air rates to fall overall in 2027.
Our take
Carriers serving the Americas compete in the same transpacific market, so a weekly dip can open room to negotiate even if rates remain high. With air at its peak, keep planes for samples, urgent spares or high-value goods.
- Quote sea freight and air freight side by side to compare cost and lead time.
- Ask whether rates include peak-season or Chinese New Year surcharges.
- Use DDP pricing to see the cost to your door.
