Despite some relaxation from original positions on port costs for Chinese built ships and an exemption of many electronics from reciprocal tariffs, the steep decline in China-US container trade continues. Many US-bound vessels are departing China half full as shippers cancel orders due to increased costs. Carriers are blanking sailings rapidly, reminiscent of the early pandemic period. Importers are relying on built-up inventories and bonded US warehouses to wait out the tariff hike. However, despite a slight increase in rates to the US from origins like Vietnam, prices from China have not collapsed despite reduced demand. 

FBX01 (China/East Asia – USA West Coast) increased modestly by $35 ending the week at $2,327/FEU. FBX02 (USA West Coast – China/East Asia) rates increased from $2,366/TEU to $2,407 at the end of the week. FBX03 (China/East Asia – USA East Coast) remained mostly unchanged finishing the week at $3,395/FEU. FBX11 (China/East Asia – Mediterranean) rates increased from $2,310/FEU, finishing the week at $2,355/FEU. FBX12 (North Europe – China / East Asia) is unchanged at $462/TEU. FBX13 (China/East Asia – Mediterranean) has fallen by $23/FEU finishing the week at $3,070/FEU.