On June 25, 2026, global shipping authorities confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz has officially resumed full and free commercial navigation. Following the 60-day US sanctions waiver and bilateral truce agreement, regional maritime risks have been completely eliminated, marking the formal end of the 108-day high-risk shipping period in the Persian Gulf waters.
The most core policy adjustment is the full cancellation of all temporary surcharges. All vessel war risk premiums, Gulf congestion surcharges and Cape of Good Hope detour fees imposed during the conflict period are completely abolished. Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM and other major carriers have comprehensively launched route optimization plans, speeding up the withdrawal of stranded vessels in the Persian Gulf and fully restoring direct Hormuz Strait routes.
The policy shift has triggered a continuous decline in global shipping costs. With the resupply of Iranian crude oil and the drop in bunker fuel prices, the operating costs of container ships and bulk carriers have been effectively reduced. At present, spot freight rates for Asia-Middle East routes have decreased by 8%-12% month-on-month, and Asia-Europe long-distance routes are also showing a steady downward trend.
Logistics analysts said the free navigation policy will remain stable for a long time during the sanctions exemption period. The superimposed advantages of no risk surcharges, shorter voyage distances and lower fuel costs will further release shipping capacity. It is predicted that global ocean freight rates will hit a new low in the third quarter of 2026, greatly improving the cost competitiveness of China's cross-border exports of mechanical equipment, daily necessities and electronic products to European and Middle Eastern markets.
