Trans-Pacific container rates climbed sharply over the past week as the industry prepares for an early peak season. Shippers are frontloading goods to get ahead of potential changes to tariffs in July and August.

Industry platforms such as SONAR and Freightos report a surge in container rates from Asia to the U.S. West Coast. Ocean carriers have implemented general rate increases (GRIs) starting June 1. The Freightos Baltic Index recorded a doubling of rates to the West Coast and a 60% rise to the U.S. East Coast.

Carriers are planning further GRIs of $1,000–$3,000 per FEU in mid-June and early July. China’s ports are still clearing backlogs caused by a combination of demand slowdowns due to high tariffs, as well as the shift of vessels and equipment to other tradelanes. 

U.S. ports are already preparing for the wave of incoming containers. Earlier, carriers raised concerns that the rebound in Asia imports could bring about potential congestion challenges. The National Retail Federation suggests a softer July peak with volumes -9% lower than last year’s August high and -4% below April levels. The numbers reflect cautious shipper behavior as they halted or reduced orders due to tariffs rising to 145% but have now resumed importing following a reduction in tariffs and a 90-day tariff pause.

Freightos reported a 32% jump in Asia-Mediterranean rates per FEU, with further hikes expected mid-month. 

Source: American Shipper