Freight costs are moving in one direction this month, and procurement teams importing through North Europe should plan for more of it. According to logistics provider Shypple’s latest market update, rates from Asia to North Europe have risen for six straight weeks, and the Drewry World Container Index rose 23 percent in the first week of June alone. From July, the pressure is expected to build further.

Several forces are stacking up at once. Ships are still routing the long way around Africa rather than through the Suez Canal, which adds time and cost. Peak season has started early, with retailers ordering stock sooner than usual and Christmas goods due to move from August. Carriers are pulling a large amount of capacity off the Asia to North Europe trade, and both CMA CGM and MSC have reported container shortages at Asian ports, so space, not just price, is now the binding constraint. Shypple has moved China bookings to spot only for departures from June 11, saying fixed rates cannot keep up with daily moves.

The surcharges are firming up too. CMA CGM’s June 15 peak season surcharge is now confirmed, and a separate, higher charge of 1,000 dollars per container applies from July 1 on all Asian ports to all North European ports including the UK, on top of the June 15 charge.

Road costs are shifting in parallel. From July 1, the Netherlands replaces the Eurovignet with a per-kilometre truck toll, which Shypple will pass on at cost: 0.21 euro per kilometre on full container loads and a flat 7.5 percent surcharge on groupage. A temporary 22.3 percent discount applies from September. Belgium’s existing per-kilometre toll rises from 0.21 to 0.29 euro per kilometre, a 38 percent increase. One offset: weekly road fuel surcharges in both countries have eased slightly as diesel prices settled.

Air freight offers little relief. Rates from Asia to Europe remain around 36 percent above a year ago, with Gulf carriers still holding roughly 30 percent of cargo capacity out of service and strong demand from the tech sector. Shypple’s advice to shippers is direct: book early, share forecasts, and build extra budget buffer for air.

For the full market analysis, visit: https://app.vespertool.com/market-analysis/3104