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China-to-U.S. Ocean Rates Surge Ahead of Peak Season Import Push

Spot rates for containerized cargo from China to North America's East Coast have more than doubled since late February, climbing from $2,600 to above $5,000 per 40-foot equivalent unit. The trans-Pacific route increased nearly $1,400 to $3,200 this week. Both lanes posted gains exceeding 75% over an eight-week stretch. Geopolitical tensions in Iran are gradually pressuring the market as the industry approaches peak import season. Ocean shipping disruptions have become central to supply chain planning since the pandemic, prompting shippers to extend lead times through 2024 when Red Sea incidents threatened service reliability. Longer transit times and elevated warehousing expenses have shifted inventory strategies toward just-in-time replenishment, favoring intermodal operations. While Suez Canal reroutes persist from early 2024, lead times remain elevated compared to pre-disruption baselines.