ports

Tariff Environment to Sustain Container Shipping Demand Through Fall, Wan Hai Says

US tariff policies will support elevated ocean freight rates through October, according to Wan Hai Lines GM Tommy Hsieh. A 10% tariff on global US imports prompted Asian shippers to accelerate shipments before expiration next month. Taiwan's government indicated the US will likely cap tariffs on auto parts and wood products at 15%, while exempting steel, aluminum and copper-derivative products for aircraft components under Section 232 provisions. Peak season container demand arrived early this year, driven by shipper concerns over vessel tightness amid Middle East tensions. Restocking of consumer goods in the region began in May, supporting container shipping demand. Wan Hai and ONE jointly launched a transpacific service in May, the Asia Pacific 2 route. The service calls at Qingdao, Ningbo, Los Angeles, and Oakland with a six-week rotation and one skipped sailing per cycle. Wan Hai deployed two vessels, including the 4,680 teu Wan Hai 517, while ONE operates three ships on the route.