ports

Yang Ming sees Q4 turning point as tariff policy clarity awaited

Transpacific freight rates have declined despite sustained cargo volumes, Yang Ming chairman Tsai Feng-ming said Monday. The carrier maintains cautious optimism for July and August, traditionally peak season months. Asia-US West Coast rates have fallen to around $6,000 per teu due to excess loader sailings, though rates remain elevated historically. Yang Ming's chief revenue officer Yeh Wen-chung said market direction hinges on US tariff policy decisions. A temporary 10% global tariff was set to expire Friday, with Section 301 tariffs of 10%-12% pending implementation. If confirmed at 12%, market impact would be minimal compared to current conditions, Yeh said. August shipping should benefit from the traditional Christmas shipping season, with overall performance expected to remain normal.