Suez Canal transits have finally passed 50% of pre-disruption levels and post-Golden Week demand is cooling — yet ocean freight rates are holding firm. Here is how carriers are defending rate levels and what shippers should do before November 1 rate initiatives take effect.

U.S. import demand is cooling, but freight rates are not necessarily following. This Q4 2026 outlook explains why capacity, routing and timing may matter more than waiting for lower rates.