Freight market update - 23 October 2025

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• General Rate Increases (GRIs) were implemented in mid-October by all carriers across most trade lanes.

• A Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) has been announced for mid-November on long-term contracts with CMA.

• USEC capacity is projected to rise by around 9% in Week 43, while USWC capacity is expected to dip by 4%.

• President Trump has threatened to impose a 100% tariff on all Chinese imports starting November 1st, in response to Beijing’s tighter controls on rare earth exports.

• In the short term, analysts expect export volumes to rise by 5–8% due to frontloading before the tariffs take effect.

• Chattogram Port congestion has eased significantly, with average yard occupancy around 71% and no major equipment shortages reported.

• Port charges are rising after the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) implemented its first tariff hike in 40 years on 14 October, increasing fees by an average of 41%.

• U.S. importers are facing dual challenges this month — the implementation of new U.S. port tariffs on Chinese vessels and the ongoing Government shutdown, which has reduced staffing levels across key federal agencies.

• Adding to the disruption is the new USTR port fee targeting Chinese vessels, which took effect on 14 October.

• Carriers must now prove port fees have been paid in advance, or they risk being barred from unloading at U.S. ports.

Read on for more in-depth updates.

Asia → North America

US/CA

Transpacific Trends and Market Updates

• General Rate Increases (GRIs) were implemented in mid-October by all carriers across most trade lanes.
• The increase was driven by front-loading activity ahead of upcoming U.S. tariff measures and backlogs following Golden Week.
• It is uncertain whether these higher rate levels will hold through the end of October.
• A Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) has been announced for mid-November on long-term contracts with CMA.
• Demand has surpassed available capacity, mainly due to front-loading to avoid potential tariff costs and lingering disruptions from Golden Week.
• USEC capacity is projected to rise by around 9% in Week 43, while USWC capacity is expected to dip by 4%.
• Fluctuations are expected to continue across both coasts through November, with alternating weeks of growth and contraction as carriers rebalance their networks.
• Despite tighter market conditions, port congestion remains stable, with no major issues reported at key U.S. gateways.
• Space remains critical, and bookings should be made 2–3 weeks in advance to secure allocations.

Central China

• SHA – USWC: Market is hot but stable; early booking recommended to secure space.
• SHA – USEC: Market remains very tight for large shipments, while smaller cargo faces more variation; space must be blocked early.
• NGB: Market is firm with rising demand, and all rates are quoted on a case-by-case basis.

North China

• TSN: Market remains stable; freighter flights (KE, OZ, JL) are offering earlier ETDs, but a 4–5 day lead time is still required.
• DLC/PEK: Rates steady; UA flights have resumed normal operations. Dense cargo can still secure spot rates, while large shipments face higher costs and less flexibility.
• TAO: Market is very busy to both U.S. coasts; space is tight, with spot availability only for dense cargo.

South China

• CAN: Peak season pressure continues, with case-by-case pricing in effect.
• SZX: Market remains hot and space-constrained; rates are high, particularly to the U.S. East Coast.
• MN: Tariff uncertainty and flight cancellations have made space extremely tight; rates are climbing, and some carriers are fully booked.

Turkey → North America

• President Trump has threatened to impose a 100% tariff on all Chinese imports starting November 1st, in response to Beijing’s tighter controls on rare earth exports.
• The announcement has triggered a rush among importers to move goods before the deadline.
• Carriers report full capacity across ships and aircraft, with CMA CGM and Gemini noting bookings secured well into early November.
• The impact is most visible in airfreight, where demand on China–U.S. routes has surged sharply, according to the Journal of Commerce and Air Cargo News.
• Limited cargo space has pushed up airfreight rates across North and South China.
• Despite additional flights, capacity remains tight, especially on routes from Shanghai and Shenzhen.
• The technology and e-commerce sectors are driving urgent shipments ahead of the tariff deadline.
• In the short term, analysts expect export volumes to rise by 5–8% due to frontloading before the tariffs take effect.
• In the longer term, transpacific trade may decline by 10–15% by year-end if the tariffs are implemented.
• Freight rates are expected to come under downward pressure again from December onwards.

North America → Turkey

• U.S. importers are facing dual challenges this month — the implementation of new U.S. port tariffs on Chinese vessels and the ongoing Government shutdown, which has reduced staffing levels across key federal agencies.
• Fewer inspectors and overstretched air traffic controllers are causing delays at airports, which are disrupting international cargo networks.
• Congestion at major ports is worsening, leading to vessel delays and tighter container availability.
• For shippers, this results in longer transit times, unpredictable schedules, and rising costs across industries such as automotive and e-commerce.
• Adding to the disruption is the new USTR port fee targeting Chinese vessels, which took effect on 14 October.
• Carriers must now prove port fees have been paid in advance, or they risk being barred from unloading at U.S. ports.
• In response, China has announced its own countermeasures, escalating trade tensions further.
• The financial burden now falls heavily on operators, with major carriers expected to face billions in extra costs.
• This has triggered urgent industry calls for mitigation strategies, though concrete responses remain limited.
• For now, both sides appear willing to absorb short-term impacts, using regulatory measures as leverage in the broader port fee dispute.
• Rates continue to soften, but the downward trend seen since early September appears to be stabilizing.
• Most carriers have maintained early-October rate levels into the second half of the month, with only minor adjustments.
• Chattogram Port congestion has eased significantly, with average yard occupancy around 71% and no major equipment shortages reported.
• Port charges are rising after the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) implemented its first tariff hike in 40 years on 14 October, increasing fees by an average of 41%.
• The move has faced pushback from carriers due to higher terminal handling costs.
• MSC briefly announced a Port Cost Recovery Surcharge effective 16 October, but withdrew it pending review.
• HPL will apply the same surcharge to non-FMC cargo starting 1 November.
• Diwali closures in India (20–23 October) may lead to slower supplier responses and booking delays early this week.

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:

• Waiting time: 6 hours for all Gemini and non-Gemini vessels at APMT and Maher Terminals LLC.
• Average gate turn times: 45 mins (single), 68 mins (double) at APMT; 39 mins at Maher.
• Import rail dwell time: 0.7 days (APMT), 0.9 days (Maher).
• APMT operations: All East berth cranes active; 5 cranes on South berth with one out of service until end of November.
• Weather impact: Sandy Hook Pilots suspended operations 10/12–10/14 due to high winds and rain.
• There are no arrivals or departures during this period.

Norfolk:

• Waiting time: Up to 1.5 days for Gemini and non-Gemini vessels.
• Average gate turn times: 26 / 38 mins (single/double) at NIT; 30 / 46 mins (single/double) at VIG.
• Import dwell time: 2.2 days.
• Berth details: 3,000 ft usable, can handle 2 large and 1 smaller vessel.
• Equipment update: Two cranes removed, two more pending removal; new cranes delivered, operational by January.
• Crane status: Crane 1 down due to gantry motor issue, expected back on 10/17.

Charleston Terminal:

• Waiting time: Up to 6 hours at Wando Welch; no wait at North Charleston Terminal.
• Average truck turn times: 19 mins (Wando Welch), 16 mins (North Charleston), 18 mins (Leatherman).
• Import dwell time: 7.8 days (Wando Welch), 15 days (North Charleston).

Savannah:

• Waiting time: 2.3 days (class 1 vessels), 2.5 days (class 2 vessels).
• Average gate turn times: 32 / 47 mins (single/double).
• Import dwell time: 7.5 days; rail dwell time: 1.0 day.

Houston:

• Waiting time: None at Barbours Cut; 3 hours at Bayport.
• Average gate turn times: Barbours Cut – 33 / 51 mins (single/double); Bayport – 39 / 60 mins (single/double).
• Import dwell time: 3.6 days (Barbours Cut), 3.5 days (Bayport).
• Operational note: 1 crane down at Bayport.
• Yard utilization: High at Barbours Cut; receiving days and cut-off times adjusted frequently.

Oakland:

• Waiting time: None for Gemini or non-Gemini vessels.
• Average import delivery time: Up to 4 days.
• Average gate turn time: 78 mins.
• Crane status: 1 crane down at Oakland International Container Terminal.

Seattle-Tacoma:

• Waiting time: None at Husky Tacoma or Seattle.
• Import rail dwell time: 3.0 days (Husky), 3.0 days (T18).
• Average gate turn times: 31.4 mins (T18); Husky – 67 mins (single), 114 mins (double).
• Operational note: No Saturday or hoot gates planned for Week 43.

Los Angeles/Long Beach:

• Terminal operations: All gates open per published schedules and Pier Pass program.
• Port of Los Angeles dwell times: 2.9 days (local imports), 2.8 days (on-dock rail), and 4.1 / 7.2 days for 20 ft / 40+ ft containers.
• Port of Long Beach dwell times: 4–8 days (local imports).
• Average gate turn time: 46–53 mins depending on shift at Long Beach Container Terminal.

Chassis Pools

All pools are operating as normal except:

1. Louisville – Deficit on 20’ 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.