Ocean freight rates on the Asia–U.S. trade lane continue to climb as sustained import volumes extend what was expected to be an early peak season. Freightos said the resilience in transpacific demand is “taking most observers by surprise.”

Key Market Rates

• Asia → U.S. East Coast: $9,144/FEU, up 1% week over week and reaching a new high.
• Asia → U.S. West Coast: $6,826/FEU, up 11% week over week.

The divergence between the two U.S. coasts has become more pronounced in recent weeks. Freightos suggests West Coast rates may have been influenced by capacity additions outpacing changes in cargo volumes.

Import Volumes Remain Strong

The anticipated early peak season continues to linger, with import activity remaining elevated through August.

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates’ Global Port Tracker:

• May: 2.24 million TEUs — busiest month so far
• July: 2.21 million TEUs — projected
• August: 2.22 million TEUs — forecast
• September: 2.16 million TEUs — forecast as volumes begin to ease

The extended peak season follows significant frontloading by shippers ahead of the anticipated expiration of Section 122 tariffs on July 24. With Section 301 tariffs subsequently taking effect, covering approximately 99% of U.S. imports, tariff uncertainty remains a key factor influencing shipping decisions.

What This Means for the Market

Freightos believes sustained August volumes may indicate that some shippers extended their ordering plans after an expected tariff increase did not materialize. Retailers are also positioning inventory for the back-to-school season while managing tariffs, higher fuel costs and continued global uncertainty.

With demand remaining firm and East Coast spot rates reaching record levels, the transpacific market is likely to remain closely watched as the peak season extends further into the year.