Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2024-04-19 02:21Group 1 - The stock of China Cosco Shipping Energy Transportation Co., Ltd. (中远海能) rose nearly 6%, closing at HKD 9.14 with a trading volume of HKD 57.6 million [1] - The initial price increase plan by upstream shipping companies for early April has largely failed, but the second round of price hikes is ongoing, with Maersk planning to raise European route freight rates after April 29 [1] - The Shanghai-Rotterdam route freight rate has increased to $1975/3800, and subsequently, CMA CGM announced a price increase to $2200/4000 effective May 1 [1] Group 2 - The recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East, particularly following Israel's airstrike on the Iranian embassy in Syria on April 1, has led to a noticeable increase in international freight rates [1] - Since March 15, European route container shipping prices have been on a steady rise, with the index climbing from 1481 points to nearly 2300 points, marking a cumulative increase of over 55%, reaching the highest level in over three months [1]