Container freight rates are expected to remain subdued for the remainder of FY26 as uncertainty in international commerce continues, pushed by US President Donald Trump’s unpredictable tariff insurance policies, trade specialists stated. According to ET, exporters rushed shipments to the US forward of the August 27 deadline for a steep 50% tariff on Indian items, concentrating on the Christmas season.India’s exports to the US rose 18% year-on-year to $40.39 billion throughout April-August 2025, far outpacing the nation’s total export progress of two.5% to $184.13 billion in the identical interval. Meanwhile, China’s exports to India climbed over 10% to $51.57 billion, exceeding India’s total import progress of two.14%, reported ET.Ajay Sahai, director common and CEO of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), stated freight rates are likely to see a 10-15% correction due to oversupply amid weakening international demand. “Inflationary pressures are persistent, and the risk of recession in advanced markets could deal a major blow to world trade,” he stated, as per ET.The Drewry World Container Index fell 6% sequentially this week to $1,913 per 40ft container, down from greater than $4,000 a yr in the past. On the South East Asia to East Coast North America route, rates dropped to $2,600 per 40ft container from $2,900 ten days earlier and practically halved from $5,500 a yr in the past.Bhavik Mota, head of markets (Intra Gulf & Far East, West & Central Asia) at AP Moller – Maersk, stated shipments of automotive merchandise have declined sharply, whereas FMCG exports remain regular and prescription drugs are expected to keep resilient. “Exports of shrimp are vulnerable too. With prices climbing for end-consumers due to Trump’s tariffs, this could eventually translate into a larger drop,” he stated, as per ET.Smaller Indian exporters are going through the brunt of excessive US tariffs, with some cancelling orders. “The end consumer will be impacted and it’s going to hurt demand. The large ones are sustaining, but smaller shippers are having problems,” stated a senior delivery official.Not all markets are bleak. Improved commerce relations with China have supported Indian imports forward of the Diwali season, with Drewry’s Intra-Asia Container Index rising 5% sequentially to $611 per 40ft container, reflecting firmer regional commerce. However, trade officers warn that except tariffs on India are eased, long-term pressures on international provide chains may intensify.