Why did Korea-to-Middle East container shipping costs keep rising in August?

The customs agency said the increase was driven by prolonged geopolitical conflict in the Middle East. The average charge for a 40-foot container from Korea to the region has been rising since March.

How much did Korea-to-Middle East container shipping costs increase in August?

The average shipping charge for a 40-foot container rose 1.7 percent from a month earlier to 8.83 million won, or $6,544. The report says the figure reflects freight rates, commissions and other charges from local exporters.

How did shipping costs to the U.S. and European routes change in August?

Rates to the U.S. west coast rose 0.5 percent to 8.58 million won, while rates to the U.S. east coast jumped 24.8 percent to 9.97 million won. In contrast, shipping costs to the European Union fell 9.4 percent to 5 million won.

Container shipping costs to Middle East extend gains in August amid conflict

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Summary

Container shipping costs from Korea to the Middle East rose in August amid prolonged geopolitical conflict in the region. The average charge for a 40-foot container climbed 1.7 percent from a month earlier to 8.83 million won. Costs to the U.S. west coast also rose, while those to the U.S. east coast jumped sharply and those to the European Union fell. The Korea Customs Service said the figures include freight rates, commissions and other charges reported by local exporters.

Key Facts

The average shipping charge for a 40-foot container from Korea to the Middle East rose to 8.83 million won in August, up 1.7 percent from a month earlier.
Shipping costs to the U.S. west coast increased 0.5 percent month on month to 8.58 million won.
Shipping costs to the U.S. east coast climbed 24.8 percent month on month to 9.97 million won.
Shipping costs to the European Union fell 9.4 percent month on month to 5 million won.
The Korea Customs Service said the figures include freight rates, commissions and other charges reported by local exporters.

By Yonhap

Published Sep 15, 2026 9:53 am KST

Containers are stacked at a port in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, Sept. 6. Yonhap

Container shipping costs from Korea to the Middle East extended their gains in August due to the protracted geopolitical conflict in the region, the customs agency said Tuesday.

The average shipping charge for a 40-foot container from Korea to the Middle East rose 1.7 percent from a month earlier to 8.83 million won ($6,544) in August, according to data from the Korea Customs Service.

The figure has been rising since March.

The average shipping charge for containers bound for the U.S. west coast also rose 0.5 percent from a month earlier to 8.58 million won, while that for containers bound for the American east coast increased 24.8 percent to 9.97 million won.

Shipping costs to the European Union, on the other hand, fell 9.4 percent to 5 million won.

The figures include freight rates, commissions and other charges reported by local exporters, according to the agency.

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