Freight market update - 17 July 2025

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• Exports from China to other Far East countries increased by 15% year-over-year during this period.

• China’s Golden Week holiday (October 1–7) may cause future disruptions to intra-Asia flows.

• The U.S. has confirmed a 30% tariff on imports from the European Union and Mexico, which will take effect on August 1st.

• In a recent interview, President Trump proposed a blanket tariff of 15% to 20% on most trading partners, replacing the current 10% rate.

• Rates for the second half of July remain firm across India and Bangladesh, though some signs of stabilization are emerging among major carriers.

• Inland container depots (ICDs) in India report tight equipment availability, especially for HMM, HPL, and ONE.

• Maersk has opened a new 20,000+ sqm logistics facility in Panama Pacifico, strategically located in a Special Economic Zone.

• The hub is designed to serve as a centralized distribution center for companies across Latin America, North America, and Asia.

Read on for more in-depth updates.

Asia → North America

US/CA

Transpacific Trends and Market Updates

• Exports from China to other Far East countries increased by 15% year-over-year during this period.
• China’s Golden Week holiday (October 1–7) may cause future disruptions to intra-Asia flows.
• Because of shorter transit times, any Golden Week impact may be delayed in intra-Asia compared to long-haul routes.
• On longer routes, rates to India reached their highest level in six months.
• Shipping rates from China to Dubai have jumped 35% since January.
• Sand attributes this rise to elevated operating costs stemming from the Middle East conflict.
• Despite a 9% capacity increase since February, carriers are facing equipment shortages.
• Ho Chi Minh City and Haiphong in Vietnam are currently experiencing container shortages.
• Chinese ports like Shanghai, Ningbo, and Shenzhen also face equipment constraints.
• Taiwanese port Kaohsiung is similarly affected by a lack of available containers.
• Chittagong (Bangladesh) is facing serious congestion, with gearless vessels waiting 6–7 days and 13 vessels currently anchored awaiting berths.
• Singapore (PSA) remains heavily congested, with average waiting times exceeding 2 days, although CMA group vessels are seeing shorter delays of about 1 day.
• Rates for the second half of July remain firm across India and Bangladesh, though some signs of stabilization are emerging among major carriers.
• Inland container depots (ICDs) in India report tight equipment availability, especially for HMM, HPL, and ONE.
• North India continues to see strong activity, with tight capacity and some reports of cargo rollovers on select services.
• Mundra and Kandla ports are facing weather-related disruptions, causing vessel delays of 6 to 12 hours.
• Colombo transshipment flows are affected by high yard density and adverse weather conditions.
• Chittagong is experiencing congestion due to heavy rains and residual effects of previous industrial action; full yards are impacting berthing schedules.
• Shippers are advised to book at least two weeks in advance to secure their preferred sailings.
• Shanghai (SHA): Space is generally available, but weekend departures are tighter; booking at least 5+ days in advance is recommended.
• Tianjin (TSN): Export demand remains strong, and space can typically be secured with 4–5 days’ notice, especially on freighter services.
• Dalian / Beijing (DLC / PEK): Spot bookings continue for dense cargo, while larger shipments require earlier planning and flexibility.
• Qingdao (TAO): Capacity is sufficient for both East and West Coast routes, with bookings managed based on cargo type and routing.
• Guangzhou (CAN): Operations are normal, but weather may affect final uplift; early reconfirmation is advised.
• Shenzhen (SZX): The market remains stable, with deferred service space assessed on a case-by-case basis.
• Xiamen (XMN): Uplift capacity is steady; bookings should align with the latest carrier schedule updates.

Turkey → North America

• Maersk has opened a new 20,000+ sqm logistics facility in Panama Pacifico, strategically located in a Special Economic Zone.
• The hub is designed to serve as a centralized distribution center for companies across Latin America, North America, and Asia.
• Businesses can consolidate inventory, streamline distribution, and reduce time-to-market from this highly connected location.
• The facility offers direct ocean access from Asia and strong multimodal connectivity, linking the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
• Maersk’s new center aims to enhance supply chain visibility, improve inventory balancing, and support faster response to disruptions.
• Customers can leverage the hub to position goods strategically and unlock new growth opportunities across the region.

North America → Turkey

• The U.S. has confirmed a 30% tariff on imports from the European Union and Mexico, which will take effect on August 1st.
• In a recent interview, President Trump proposed a blanket tariff of 15% to 20% on most trading partners, replacing the current 10% rate.
• EU officials are preparing countermeasures targeting €72 billion worth of U.S. goods.
• EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič warned that the proposed tariffs would make it “almost impossible” to sustain the €4.4 billion in daily EU–U.S. trade.
• U.S. officials defend the tariffs as a corrective measure against long-standing trade imbalances.
• Key sectors like pharmaceuticals, cars, and steel remain especially exposed to the impact of the new tariffs.
• Demand remains flat through July, with no significant volume surge anticipated.
• Carriers have raised rates for the second half of July, and MSC and CMA have announced further General Rate Increases (GRIs) on East Coast routes.
• Major carriers have reduced or withdrawn long-term Peak Season Surcharges (PSS).
• Capacity is holding steady at 84–91%, though blank sailings are no longer occurring in a predictable pattern.
• The additional capacity introduced during the tariff pause has been completely removed, bringing supply back to normal levels.
• Capacity trends indicate that carriers initially expanded space during the tariff pause but have since scaled back as demand plateaued.

Terminal Updates

Vessels heading to North America via the North Atlantic Sea are expected to have a change in schedule due to severe weather conditions.

New York:

• The waiting time for all vessels calling APMT is up to 6 hours. Maher Terminals LLC reports vessel waiting times averaging around 6 hours.
• Average gate turn times are 54 minutes for single transactions and 84 minutes for double transactions at APMT terminals and 35 minutes for Maher Terminals.
• The average import rail dwell time is 1 day at APMT and 1 day at Maher Terminals.
• The last 2 cranes on APMT East berth to be operational by end of summer.

Norfolk:

• 7 hour waiting time for a berth for Gemini and Non-Gemini Vessels.
• Average gate turn times are 28 / 40 minutes for single and double transactions at NIT, and 36 / 54 minutes for single and double transactions at VIG.
• The average Import dwell time is 4.1 days.
• Crane #4 at NIT remains out of service since April 16 with no current update.

Charleston Terminal:

• 18 hours waiting time for Gemini and non-Gemini vessels at Wando Welch Terminal.
• 3 hours waiting time at North Charleston Terminal.
• Average truck turn times are 18 / 20 / 15 minutes at Wando Welch Terminal, North Charleston Terminal, and Leatherman Terminal respectively.
• Average Import dwell time is 1.6 days at North Charleston Container Terminal.
• Average Import dwell time is 1.6 days at Wando Welch Container Terminal.

Savannah:

• The average waiting time for vessel berth is 0.7 days for class 1 and 1 day for class 2 vessels.
• Average gate turn times are 33 / 50 minutes for single and double transactions respectively.
• Import dwell time is 6.8 days. Rail dwell time is 1 day.

Houston:

• Waiting time is up to 3 hours at Barbours Cut Terminal and 3 hours at Bayport Container Terminal.
• Average gate turn times are 33 / 53 minutes at Barbours Cut and 29 / 47 minutes at Bayport for single and double transactions respectively.
• Loaded import dwell time is 3.6 days at Barbours Cut and 3.5 days at Bayport.
• Yard utilization at Barbours Cut Terminal remains high.
• To maintain terminal fluidity, the Port of Houston is adjusting receiving days and cut-off times on short notice.
• Effective August 1, 2025, Excessive Import Dwell Fees will be applied to loaded refrigerated (reefer) import containers once free time expires.
• These fees will also apply during terminal truck gate closures due to scheduled terminal shutdowns.

Oakland:

• No waiting time at Oakland International Container Terminal (OICT).
• Average gate turn time is 84 minutes for OICT.
• Average import deliveries can take up to 4 days at OICT.
• Oakland International Container Terminal has 2 cranes out of order.
• The Oakland International Container Terminal will be closed on July 2 and 7, 2025.

Seattle-Tacoma:

• No waiting time at Husky Terminal or Washington United Terminal in Tacoma.
• No waiting time in Seattle.
• Import rail dwell is 2.3 days at Husky and 3 days at T18.
• The average gate turn times are 47 minutes for T18.
• Average gate turn times are 43 / 72 minutes for single and double transactions at Husky.
• Husky will offer hoot gates on July 14, 15, and 16, 2025.
• T18 and HUSKY will be closed on July 4 and 7, 2025.

Los Angeles/Long Beach:

• All terminal gates are running as published and in line with the Pier Pass program.
• Port of Los Angeles dwell time for local import cargo is 3.0 days; on-dock rail dwell is 3.0 days.
• Import units on the street are averaging 3.3 / 4.9 days for 20 ft and 40+ ft containers respectively.
• Port of Long Beach dwell times for local imports remain at 4-8 days.
• Average terminal gate turn time is between 44 - 51 minutes, depending on the terminal.

Chassis Pools

All pools are operating as normal except:

1. Chicago – Constrained on 20’ chassis.  
2. Kansas City - Constrained on 20’ chassis, Deficit on 40’ chassis.

Intermodal Operations

Truck power can be secured within 1-3 days for the majority of locations, including marine terminals, rail ramps, and depots.

Port Status

Final Thoughts

In light of the latest updates and trends, the market is currently in the course of showing robust performance and is equipped with ample capacity and resources. Individuals and businesses involved in import/export activities must stay well-informed about market dynamics and strategies to make informed decisions.

To ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience with your import/export operations, it is recommended to seek guidance from industry experts. Taking proactive measures and staying proactive in your approach will help you navigate the market effectively. We greatly appreciate your continued readership and encourage you to subscribe to our weekly market updates to stay abreast of the latest developments and insights.