# Ocean Freight Rates Rise Above Last Year’s Levels - RFD-TV

> RFD-TV reports that bulk ocean freight rates rose in early 2026 against the usual first-quarter pattern. Gulf to Japan grain rates reached $67.00/t by April 16 and Pacific Northwest to Japan reached $35.50/t. Analysts cite fuel costs, vessel supply and China's demand as the drivers ahead.

- Date: 2026-04-29 · published 2026-04-29T12:00:00.000Z
- Category: logistics · region US · magnitude low
- Page: https://feedsoft.ai/events/19927-ocean-freight-rates-rise-above-last-year-s-levels-rfd-tv
- Commodities: [Ocean Grain Freight](https://feedsoft.ai/c/OCEANFRT.md)

## Why it matters

Continued freight increases raise export costs for US grain and can erode farm-gate values through wider export basis. Rates may stay firm if Asian demand holds.

## Read by commodity

- OCEANFRT: bullish ▲

## Sources

- rfdtv.com: https://www.rfdtv.com/ocean-freight-rates-rise-above-last-years-levels

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Data from Feedsoft AI (https://feedsoft.ai/). For information only; not investment advice.