In recent weeks, ocean freight rates from China to the United States have been climbing fast — and signs point to further increases. With rates potentially reaching $10,000 per 40HQ container, shippers and importers need to understand what’s driving the surge and how to respond.
Why Are Ocean Freight Rates Going Up?
- Backlogged Shipments Now Being Released
Many traditional orders were delayed for weeks, and now that the green light has been given, everyone is trying to ship at once. This sudden release of volume is creating intense competition for available space.
- 90-Day Tariff Window Creates Urgency
After the U.S. revised its tariff policy — reducing duties on small packages (under $800) and bulk imports — there is a 90-day exemption period. Many importers are now rushing to ship before tariffs go back up, which is creating a temporary shipping boom.
- Tight Vessel Capacity
When tariffs were high, many vessels were reallocated to other trade lanes. Now, even though demand has returned, it takes time to shift vessels back to the China–U.S. route. Full recovery in capacity may not happen until late June or July, leaving current capacity tight and prone to overbooking.
What Does This Mean for Shippers?
- More blank sailings and container rollovers: Carriers may skip ports or bump bookings due to lack of space.
- Rising freight costs: Base rates are climbing weekly, and premium space may cost significantly more.
- High demand across all categories: From general merchandise to machinery and parts, everyone is shipping more.
What You Can Do
- Book early – Don’t wait until the last minute. Shipping space is limited and filling fast.
- Prepare to pay more – Budget for potential rate increases in the coming 4–6 weeks.
- Stay in close contact with your logistics provider – A good freight forwarder can help secure space and recommend alternate options.
Conclusion
With strong demand, limited capacity, and a time-sensitive tariff window, the current freight surge is unlike anything we’ve seen since 2021. If you have cargo to ship from China to the U.S., the best advice is simple: act fast. Waiting could mean higher rates — or worse, no space at all.
Zcyt Logistics can help you navigate this freight spike. Contact us today to secure your shipment before prices rise further.