Recent geopolitical tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz are not directly blocking shipping routes between Asia and the United States. However, the global ripple effects are now significantly impacting Asia–U.S. shipping schedules, transit times, and costs. In simple terms:👉 Ships are still moving — but they are moving slower, arriving later, and facing congestion worldwide. […]
Read MoreSoftening spot rates, weak volume projections and cautious consumer sentiment point to a clear reality for the trans-Pacific container market: the usual pre–Lunar New Year shipping surge is absent in 2026. Market participants say demand ahead of the Lunar New Year, which begins Feb. 17, has been unusually subdued. Chinese factories will still shut down […]
Read MoreContainerized imports into the United States are on track to hit their lowest level in two and a half years this month, with retailers warning that ongoing tariff uncertainty will keep volumes firmly in negative territory well into the second quarter of next year. According to the latest Global Port Tracker (GPT) from the National […]
Read MoreThe end of the year is typically a quiet period for US ocean shipping as retailers wrap up their holiday stocking. But the close of 2025 — and the start of 2026 — is shaping up to be more than just subdued. The industry is facing a deepening downturn with little sign of a rebound. […]
Read MoreUS retailers are easing off post–winter holiday restocking even as they prepare for what is expected to be a strong holiday sales season, with import volumes projected to stay below 2 million TEUs per month through March. The latest Global Port Tracker (GPT) from Hackett Associates and the National Retail Federation, released Friday, forecasts double-digit […]
Read MoreThe suspension of China–U.S. shipments and a wave of blank sailings on the trans-Pacific trade lane may lead to a significant redistribution of vessel capacity, according to Alexandra Ilascu of Kuehne + Nagel. Speaking during the Journal of Commerce’s Asia-Europe webinar, Ilascu warned that these shifts are likely to impact other trade routes, including Asia-Europe […]
Read MoreThe U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has announced its final actions regarding the Section 301 investigation into China’s shipbuilding industry, introducing significant changes from the initial proposals. Key Changes and Fee Structure: Revised Fees: Instead of a flat fee, new fees will be based on vessel net tonnage (NT) or container count and will apply per […]
Read MoreThe San Pedro Bay Port Complex, comprising the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach, handles about one-third of all containerized imports to the United States each month. As the 10th busiest port in the world, it plays a critical role in the local, regional, and national economy, particularly impacting truckload and […]
Read MoreE-commerce shipments to the US are showing signs of a shift from air cargo to sea freight, with potential changes to de minimis rules likely to accelerate this trend. This perspective was highlighted during Freightos’ “Global Freight Outlook” webinar, which explored how actions by the incoming Trump administration might impact e-commerce airfreight. Currently, de minimis […]
Read MoreIn September, rail container dwell times at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach hit their highest levels in two years as the ports experienced a surge in import volumes from Asia. This spike is partially attributed to retailers redirecting cargo from the East and Gulf coasts due to a looming longshore strike. […]
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