The recent U.S.-China tariff reductions have sparked a massive wave of orders from American buyers, causing a sudden spike in shipping demand. Logistics companies report a 3-4x increase in bookings, with U.S.-bound vessels nearing full capacity. Cross-border sellers are rushing to ship goods within the 90-day tariff relief window, fearing future policy changes.

Major carriers have announced steep rate hikes on US routes, with June rates reaching $6,000+/FEU as peak season demand collides with tariff uncertainty.Confirmed Carrier IncreasesCarrierEffective DateRate Hike (40’)New Total Rate (40’)MatsonMay 22+$1,5005,200–5,200–5,800 (China→US)MSCJune 1+1,600–1

Extended Free Storage for North America-bound Export ContainersPeriod: May 15 – July 31, 2025Eligible Cargo: Standard dry containers (excludes hazardous goods, reefers, OOG, and heavy-lift cargo)Benefit: Free storage period extended to 30 days at Nansha PortFlexible Container Entry & StorageNo time

Key Developments:Major GRIs Announced:$1,000/FEU: ONE$2,000/FEU: CMA CGM, Yang Ming, ZIM$3,000/FEU: COSCO, HMM, Hapag-Lloyd, EvergreenEffective May 15:June 1: All 7 carriers will reapply identical GRIs.Tariff-Driven Demand Spike:US-China tariff cuts (115% reduction) + 90-day grace period trigger ear

US-West Coast rates hold at 2,790/FEU while Europe plunges to 2,130/FEU—a 52% vs 8% drop since January. Trump's tariffs and blank sailings reshape global freight dynamics.

President Trump declared a US-Houthi ceasefire on May 6, potentially reopening Red Sea routes. If confirmed, this could release 1-2M TEU of capacity currently diverted via Africa.

A catastrophic explosion at Iran's Shahid Rajaee Port (handling 55% of non-oil trade) has killed 14, injured 750+, and triggered emergency shutdowns. Critical updates on chemical risks, China casualties, and global supply chain impacts.

During French President Macron’s visit to Egypt, CMA CGM announced the acquisition of a 35% stake in October Dry Port, strengthening its logistics network. The move complements its existing operations in Alexandria and the upcoming Sokhna terminal.

Brazil has begun construction of Porto Central, Latin America’s largest container terminal, featuring 20m-deep berths for 24,000 TEU vessels. The project aims to cut logistics costs by 30%, boost Brazil’s global trade competitiveness, and create 12,000 jobs

Maersk has issued a critical advisory regarding sweeping tariff changes between the U.S., China, and EU, effective immediately. These changes create unprecedented trade barriers, with cumulative tariffs reaching 145% on some U.S.-China trade lanes, while the EU prepares retaliatory measures against