EXPD · 8-K · 20260804PR332198

Ocean Freight Demand Recovery

EXPEDITORS INTERNATIONAL OF WASHINGTON INC · 2026-08-04 · Importance 25 · Surprise 32

Ocean freight volumes increased 7% from Q1 2026, marking the first sequential increase since Q3 2025. Carriers managed capacity carefully while demand strengthened, producing higher rates late in the quarter. The company characterized these trends as a possible flattening of the prolonged ocean-market downturn. Higher demand and pricing increased profitability per container in Q2 2026.

Key facts

• Volumes increased 7% in Q2 2026 compared to Q1 2026, the first sequential increase since the third quarter of 2025, for ocean freight. source
• Ocean container volume remained flat in Q2 2026 compared to the same quarter of 2025. source
• Second quarter year-over-year percentage change in ocean freight FEU was (9)% in April, (1)% in May, 9% in June, and flat for the quarter. source