Shipping Rates Surge: Carriers Impose GRIs Up to $3,000 as Peak Season Looms

Key Developments:

1. Major GRIs Announced:

• $1,000/FEU: ONE

• $2,000/FEU: CMA CGM, Yang Ming, ZIM

• $3,000/FEU: COSCO, HMM, Hapag-Lloyd, Evergreen

• Effective May 15:

• June 1: All 7 carriers will reapply identical GRIs.

2. Tariff-Driven Demand Spike:

• US-China tariff cuts (115% reduction) + 90-day grace period trigger early peak season.

• Importers rush to ship before tariff window closes, with volumes potentially exceeding COVID-era peaks.

3. Market Impact:

• SCFI Index: US West Coast rates up 3% WoW to $2,347/FEU (May 10).

• Spot Rates: Expected to surpass $3,000/FEU in coming weeks as inventory restocking accelerates.

Why This Matters

• Capacity Crunch: Carriers slash sailings (12% blanked in May) to prop up rates.

• Retail Pressure: US importers face double whammy of tariff deadlines + holiday demand.

• Financials: Yang Ming reports 23% profit drop in Q1 2025 but sees tariff truce boosting Q2 volumes.

Pro Tips for Shippers:
✅ Lock rates now – June GRIs likely to stick if demand surges.
✅ Consider alternatives – Rail/air for time-sensitive cargo.
✅ Monitor inventories – Post-tariff restocking may extend rate hikes into Q3.

Outlook: "This could be the first real GRI success in months," warns Linerlytica, noting carriers' pricing power hinges on sustained demand.