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Reefer freight rates remain relatively stable in the first quarter of 2026, and is expected to follow seasonal patterns, deviating from the volatility in dry cargo, according to DHL Global Forwarding’s latest Ocean Reefer Market Update
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In Q4 2025, the Drewry Global Reefer Container Freight Rate Index remained largely stable, recording a minimal 1% decline year-on-year
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Into the initial months of 2026, demand relating to the Chinese Lunar New Year can cause short-term tightening on selected lanes
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In Europe, disruptions from the winter weather is affecting ports and inland links
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In Latin America, reefer availability remains constrained, which calls for earlier bookings and disciplined allocations
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Asia still leads in perishable imports (fruit and protein)
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Overall, reefer rates are seen to keep steady barring any major disruption from external risks such as geopolitical developments, changing trade policies, and climate impact on produce
Reefer freight rates remain relatively stable in the first quarter this year and is expected to follow seasonal patterns, deviating from the volatility in dry cargo, according to DHL Global Forwarding’s latest Ocean Reefer Market Update.
“The reefer container market enters Q1 2026 with more balanced fundamentals after a period of adjustment across capacity, rates, and trade flows,” the report said. “Global demand for temperature-controlled cargo remains resilient, supported by steady food consumption and ongoing containerization of perishable supply chains.”
In Q4 2025, the Drewry Global Reefer Container Freight Rate Index remained largely stable, recording a minimal 1% decline year-on-year. DHL noted that high vessel and reefer capacity, along with lower fuel costs, countered pressure from tariffs, port disruptions, and overall global trade uncertainty.
Into the initial months of 2026, demand relating to the Chinese Lunar New Year can cause short-term tightening on selected lanes. Rates are seen to ease after this seasonal demand.
Meanwhile, in Europe, disruptions from the winter weather is affecting ports and inland links, which increase the risk for temperature-sensitive cargo.
In Latin America, reefer availability remains constrained, which calls for earlier bookings and disciplined allocations.
In terms of capacity, DHL said high vessel and equipment availability continues to shape market dynamics.
“Strong fruit export programs from Southern Hemisphere origins continue to generate high outbound reefer demand, particularly from Latin America and Southern Africa. While global capacity remains sufficient, equipment availability at origin is increasingly shaped by positioning challenges rather than overall supply.”
Imbalances in equipment positioning persist with most reefer containers still concentrated on East–West trades while demand is largely driven by North–South flows.
“This continues to require careful planning for exporters in key origin regions,” the DHL market update pointed out.
Asia still leads in perishable imports (fruit and protein) and seasonal harvest cycles outweigh broader macroeconomic weakness.
Overall, reefer rates are seen to keep steady barring any major disruption from external risks such as geopolitical developments, changing trade policies, and climate impact on produce.
Port congestion also remains a critical factor to watch as this could affect transit times and pricing.
READ: Reefer container market still under pressure in Q2 – DHL
