Spot container rates for shipments from Asia to the U.S. have surged as companies rush to secure capacity ahead of potential disruptions. Higher tariffs and a looming strike at U.S. ports have fueled demand, driving up costs significantly.
As of January 1, booking a 40-foot container to the U.S. West Coast cost $6,000—a 50% increase from $4,004 a month earlier, according to Oslo-based freight platform Xeneta. Rates to the East Coast rose 31% to $7,100.
Emily Stausbøll, a senior shipping analyst at Xeneta, noted that market conditions have tightened due to widespread uncertainty. The disruptions of 2024 continue to impact freight movement, and the outlook for 2025 suggests further challenges for shippers.
The global shipping industry has also faced prolonged disruptions in the Red Sea, where Houthi attacks on vessels linked to the West have forced ships to take longer routes, reducing available capacity and further pressuring rates.
Adding to the turmoil, U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports face a potential strike later this month. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump has pledged higher tariffs on Chinese imports, creating additional volatility in supply chains.
Experts predict demand may slow later in 2025, with current pricing pressures easing after the first quarter. While most ocean freight is booked under long-term contracts, the spike in spot rates will influence contract negotiations in the coming months.
Source: Bloomberg
