Transpacific Freight Rates Surge as Carriers Race to Restore Capacity Before Tariff Deadline
Container shipping rates from Asia to the United States are on the rise again, as carriers ramp up capacity in anticipation of a sharp increase in orders during the current tariff suspension period. The latest developments reflect heightened urgency among shippers seeking to avoid potential surcharges before the August 14 tariff deadline.
📈 Spot Rates Climb Across the Board
According to data from Freightos, spot freight rates to both the U.S. East Coast and West Coast rose 3% this week. Drewry’s market report shows a 2% increase from Shanghai to Los Angeles, and a 4% increase from Shanghai to New York, signaling robust demand ahead of peak shipping season.
Carriers are now adjusting their capacity to accommodate the rising volume of export orders from China.
— Drewry
🚢 Carriers Resume Suspended Services
During a recent webinar, Kyle Beaulieu, Head of Ocean for the Americas at Flexport, revealed that carriers who had previously suspended services to the U.S. are reintroducing routes.
- Out of 10 transpacific lanes that had been blanked, 6 routes are scheduled to restart between Week 22 and Week 24.
- The Pacific Northwest ports are seeing the most benefit, given their status as the shortest route into the U.S. market.
This shift represents a strategic move to recapture volume lost earlier due to reduced demand caused by the 145% tariff hikes on some Chinese goods.
🕒 Shipping Deadline Creates Sense of Urgency
Alan Murphy, CEO of Sea-Intelligence, emphasized that carriers are now under pressure to restore capacity before the August 14 deadline, when tariffs are expected to rise again.
This means most seasonal peak shipments must depart no later than mid-July to arrive in the U.S. in time.
However, Judah Levine, Head of Research at Freightos, cautioned that the tariff deadline’s definition remains unclear:
- If the deadline refers to departure from Asia, shippers have a bit more time.
- But if it refers to arrival in the U.S., the low-tariff window could close within the next 1–2 weeks.
“If the tariff deadline applies to arrival, ocean freight must depart urgently to make the July 9 delivery cutoff,” said Levine.
💰 General Rate Increases (GRIs) Add Further Pressure
In response to rising demand, carriers have introduced aggressive mid-month GRIs:
- Rates increased by $1,000–$3,000 per 40-foot container (FEU)
- Additional GRIs are expected on June 1 and June 15
- The target rate is $8,000/FEU, which would match last July’s peak on the Asia–US West Coast lane
As of Monday:
- Asia to U.S. East Coast: ~$4,400 per FEU (↑ $1,000)
- Asia to U.S. West Coast: ~$2,800 per FEU (↑ $400)
📦 What Shippers Need to Do Now
Shippers are urged to:
- Book space early to avoid capacity crunches
- Monitor carrier schedules and potential blank sailings
- Clarify the tariff deadline impact on your cargo — departure vs. arrival
- Consult with your logistics partner to plan routing strategies and optimize landed costs
Need help navigating transpacific capacity or tariff risks?
Linkway Freight Limited is here to assist with real-time market intelligence, capacity management, and proactive freight planning.
