The imbalances caused by the revival of the global economy after the Covid-19 pandemic are strongly reflected in the ocean freight market. The composite index of the eight largest seaborne trade routes compiled by the Drewry consultancy shows a rise of more than 330% from year-ago levels. On the busiest route, Shanghai - Los Angeles, freight for a 40 cubic foot container reached US$9,631 at the beginning of July, up 229% from the beginning of July 2020. Between 2011 and March 2020 the average freight on this route was less than US$1,800. Increased demand for Asian manufactures from the U.S. and Europe, container shortages, the temporary blockage of the Suez Canal due to the grounding of the Even Given ship and the closure of some major ports in China due to outbreaks of the pandemic are behind this explosive increase. Experts such as Jan Hoffman, head of the trade logistics division at UNCTAD, the UN arm that oversees trade and development issues, believe that it will take time for freight rates to return to their previous levels. This higher transport cost will be passed on to consumers, contributing to the inflationary pressures that are worrying the market.