Container shipping rates on Asia–U.S. trade lanes shifted downward after weeks of steady gains, as carriers adjusted fleets and schedules in response to upcoming U.S. port fees and broader trade uncertainty.
As of September 11, average spot rates stood at $2,322 per forty-foot equivalent unit (FEU) from the Far East to the U.S. West Coast, and $3,190 per FEU into the East Coast, according to market data. The spread between coasts remains unusually wide at $868 per FEU, compared with a more balanced relationship earlier in the year. Analysts suggest the distortion reflects tariff-related disruptions and shifting capacity strategies.
Industry observers note that carriers have begun replacing China-built vessels from U.S.-bound services to prepare for new port fees expected in October. The vessel swaps, totaling about 60,000 TEUs across several ships, mark an effort to reduce reliance on Chinese-built tonnage in trans-Pacific trades. While the long-term impact remains uncertain, shippers could face additional disruption in scheduling and capacity management.
Despite this turbulence, trans-Atlantic trades remain relatively steady. North Europe to U.S. East Coast rates slipped only marginally, holding at $1,838 per FEU. Meanwhile, rates on Asia–Europe routes continue their downward trend, with average spot prices to the Mediterranean down 8.1% since late August and to North Europe down 12.9% over the same period.
The divergence between Europe’s two major inbound corridors has widened to about $500 per FEU. Analysts attribute the gap to stronger demand at Western Mediterranean ports, where both short- and long-term bookings are holding up more firmly compared to the steeper declines seen in North Europe.
Overall, rate movements highlight the volatile mix of policy-driven disruptions, vessel deployment shifts, and uneven regional demand shaping the container shipping market heading into the fourth quarter.
