Maersk announced this week that container bookings from Asia to North America are running 15% above projections. The shipping giant attributes the surge to retailers front-loading inventory ahead of potential tariff changes.
What’s Driving the Rush
US importers are accelerating shipments to beat proposed tariff deadlines. Electronics, furniture, and apparel categories show the strongest booking increases. West Coast ports report container volumes up 12% year-over-year.
Rate Impact
Spot rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles have climbed to $4,200 per forty-foot container, up from $3,100 in December. Contract rates for 2025 are being negotiated 20-30% above current annual agreements.
Capacity Concerns
Available vessel space is tightening. Carriers have restored suspended Asia-US services and are repositioning empty containers to meet demand. Port congestion remains manageable but wait times at Los Angeles have increased to 2-3 days.
Logistics managers should book early and consider routing alternatives through Gulf and East Coast ports where capacity remains more available.
