HYSUN Container Market Update | Week 46, 2026
Shipping container prices are holding up even as ocean freight rates soften. For buyers, availability increasingly comes down to finding the right size and condition at the required location—not simply finding a container.
In its November 5 update, Drewry reported that the World Container Index fell 1% to USD 4,389 per 40ft container. The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index also turned lower after four consecutive weekly gains. However, weaker freight rates have not brought an equivalent decline in equipment prices. Drewry WCI
New container prices remain supported by production demand
CIMC’s third-quarter results show a recovery in container manufacturing. Dry container sales reached 2.055 million TEU in the first nine months of 2026, up 14.05% year on year. Third-quarter sales were approximately 920,000 TEU, around 35% higher both year on year and quarter on quarter. CIMC results announcement
Stronger sales and improving prices give manufacturers less incentive to discount for additional orders. HYSUN’s view is that existing production commitments can continue to support new container prices while freight demand eases.
That support is not unconditional. If freight rates keep falling, shipping lines and container leasing companies may become more cautious about future equipment purchases. Sustained order intake matters more to the longer-term outlook than a single period of price increases.
Used 40HC prices depend increasingly on condition
The used container market is becoming more selective. The shortage is not necessarily of all 40ft high cube containers, but of units in better condition.
Market indications in China put better-condition used 40HC units at approximately USD 2,850–3,000 each, converted from local-currency reference prices. This is an indicative range, not a firm quotation or a standardized condition grade.
Market feedback also points to an ageing pool of available equipment, with more containers in the 10–20-year age range. The price gap between older, more worn units and better-condition containers is widening.
For buyers, this makes manufacture year, local depot availability and individual inspection more useful than a single market-wide average. A lower purchase price can lose its advantage if the container needs repairs or cannot meet the intended cargo requirements.
Rental demand remains concentrated on specific routes
Container rental demand on Russia and Central Asia routes continues to support those markets. HYSUN does not see this as evidence of a broad increase in rental rates or a market-wide driver of container sale prices. Short-term options for general cargo in China’s domestic market remain available.
What container buyers should consider
For time-sensitive shipments, HYSUN recommends securing suitable 40HC units at key ports around 7–10 days before collection. Longer factory lead times alone are not a reason to enter lengthy supply commitments before the shipment plan is clear.
As freight rates soften, buyers may find more room to negotiate individual purchases, depending on the location and condition required. Shorter supply arrangements with an option to extend can offer flexibility where available.
For used equipment, compare like-for-like condition and inspect before collection. Budget by pickup location and condition rather than assuming one price applies across different ports.
Factory order books and immediate container availability operate on different timelines. Whether equipment prices can rise further will depend on buyers’ willingness to pay for suitable units that are ready when needed—not simply on how far ahead manufacturers have scheduled production.
Sources: CIMC’s 2026 third-quarter results, Shanghai Shipping Exchange, Drewry World Container Index and market price indications cited in HYSUN’s weekly report.
This article is for information only and does not constitute procurement or investment advice.
Hysun Invenotry in week 46:
