Freight market update - 28 August 2025

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• The U.S. confirmed plans to raise tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, effective from late August.

• The rate is among the highest imposed on any country, with the exception of still-on-hold tariffs on China.

• The tariffs could affect up to 66% of India’s exports to the U.S.

• Exemptions: Pharmaceuticals and electronics (including iPhones assembled in India).

• Importers should expect a prolonged period of elevated duties.

• Carriers such as HMM and Evergreen caution that the end of the U.S. tariff grace period will drive volatility.

• Annual fleet growth projected at 5–8% through 2028, compared to demand growth of 2–4%.

Read on for more in-depth updates.

Asia → North America

US/CA

Transpacific Trends and Market Updates

• Overall demand remains flat, with no surge in volumes expected.
• Blank sailings are being implemented by some carriers to manage capacity.
• Freight rates stayed low through late August.
• Carriers have announced rate increases for September, likely pushing prices higher.
• Congestion is generally under control.
• US East Coast conditions have shown notable improvement.
• Southeast Asian ports are reporting stronger export volumes than China.
• This is gradually shifting trade flows within the region.
• Carriers such as HMM and Evergreen caution that the end of the U.S. tariff grace period will drive volatility.
• They expect sustained congestion across major East–West trades.
• The global container ship orderbook is now ≈30% of the active fleet.
• Annual fleet growth projected at 5–8% through 2028, compared to demand growth of 2–4%.
• This imbalance raises concerns over long-term structural overcapacity.
• Rates have stabilised in 2H August after steady increases since June.
• Early signs suggest slight market cooling in September.
• Rates remain elevated on some carriers.
• Severe congestion at Chittagong continues to disrupt operations due to high yard density, delaying vessel operations and inland transport.
• Colombo also faces disruption from yard density, inter-terminal transfers, and adverse weather.
• The inland container depots association has announced higher CFS charges from September.
• Negotiations with forwarders are ongoing, but stuffing costs at origin are likely to rise.

SHA (Shanghai)

• USWC: Space is stable but lacks large-volume cargo; allotments fluctuate → careful booking required.
• USEC: Market steady, though allotments shift frequently → early confirmation recommended.

TSN (Tianjin)

• Market is hot, with freighter services offering earlier ETDs.
• Bookings should be secured 4–5 days in advance.

DLC/PEK (Dalian/Beijing)

• Carriers keeping rates stable.
• Dense cargo can access spot space; larger shipments need 6–7 days’ notice and may be split across flights.
• UA flights have resumed normal operations this week.

TAO (Qingdao)

• Market remains stable overall.
• Space is slightly tight to USEC, less constrained to USWC.
• Spot bookings available for dense or urgent cargo.

CAN (Guangzhou)

• Market stable, but occasional flight cancellations → bookings must be confirmed case by case.

SZX (Shenzhen)

• Conditions steady; all bookings handled directly with carriers.

XMN (Xiamen)

• Airlines have reduced space allotments due to high temperatures.
• Overall conditions remain similar to last week.

Turkey → North America

• The U.S. confirmed plans to raise tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, effective from late August.
• These measures are a response to India’s continued imports of Russian oil.
• The rate is among the highest imposed on any country, with the exception of still-on-hold tariffs on China.
• The tariffs could affect up to 66% of India’s exports to the U.S.
• This would drive cost increases across a wide range of consumer and industrial products.
• Exemptions: Pharmaceuticals and electronics (including iPhones assembled in India).
• At risk: Textiles, jewellery, and seafood sectors are already seeing cancelled U.S. orders and shifts in demand to competitors such as Bangladesh and Vietnam.
• Indian officials have indicated no plans to reduce Russian oil imports.
• Refiners are cautiously exploring alternative supply sources, but without major policy change, a quick resolution seems unlikely.
• Importers should expect a prolonged period of elevated duties.
• Additional customs scrutiny is likely, especially around country-of-origin documents and trans-shipment practices in the region.

Reciprocal Tariffs (Effective Aug 7)

• U.S. introduced country-specific tariffs of 15%–50%.
• This is in addition to a 10% baseline for other nations.
• This move significantly disrupts sourcing and trade flows, pushing the average U.S. tariff rate to nearly 17–18%, a historic peak.

Steel & Aluminum Expansion (Aug 15)

• The Commerce Department extended the 50% tariff to cover hundreds of derivative steel and aluminum products.
• This results in higher landed costs for industries such as construction, automotive, and manufacturing.

Furniture Import Investigation (Aug 22)

• A Section 232 investigation was launched into furniture imports, with a 50-day review period.
• Potential new tariffs may be announced in September, creating uncertainty for retailers and importers.

India Tariffs (Effective Aug 27)

• The U.S. imposed a 50% tariff on Indian imports, excluding goods already in transit until September 17.
• This will heavily affect textiles, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods.

North America → Turkey

• The fourth consecutive report on the Transport Management Systems (TMS) market in North America was released recently.
• Provides 5-year industry forecasts and expert commentary to support business decisions.

Market Size & Forecast

• Valued at USD 9.66 billion in 2024.
• Projected to reach USD 15.65 billion by 2032.
• Expected CAGR: 6.22% (2025–2032).

Key Growth Drivers

• E-commerce expansion → demand for faster, efficient, and cost-effective delivery solutions.
• Global trade growth → need for advanced logistics infrastructure and streamlined operations.
• Technology integration:
• Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Internet of Things (IoT).
• Blockchain.
• → Enhancing transparency, real-time tracking, and efficiency.
• Rising cold chain demand → especially for pharmaceuticals and food products.
• Sustainability initiatives and warehouse automation further driving market expansion

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 Gemini and non-Gemini vessels calling APMT is about 6 hours, and at Maher Terminals LLC the waiting time is also around 6 hours.
• Average gate turn times at APMT are 43 minutes for single transactions and 72 minutes for double transactions, while at Maher Terminals the average is about 32 minutes.
• The average import rail dwell time is 0.5 days at APMT and 0.6 days at Maher.
• At APMT, the last new crane on the East berth is expected to be operational by the end of Summer.

Norfolk:

• The waiting time for both Gemini and non-Gemini vessels is up to 6 hours.
• Average gate turn times are 28 minutes for single transactions and 38 minutes for double transactions at Norfolk International Terminal.
• At Virginia International Gateway they are 38 minutes for single transactions and 58 minutes for double transactions.
• The average import dwell time is 2.9 days.
• North NIT is expected to be operational in late September.

Charleston Terminal:

• The waiting time for both Gemini and non-Gemini vessels at Wando Welch Terminal is 6 hours, while at North Charleston Terminal there is no waiting time.
• Average truck turn times are 19 minutes at Wando Welch Terminal, 16 minutes at North Charleston Terminal, and 18 minutes at Leatherman Terminal.
• The average import dwell time is 8.5 days at Wando Welch Terminal and 4.8 days at North Charleston Terminal.

Savannah:

• The average waiting time for vessel berth at the terminal is up to 1.9 days for class 1 vessels and up to 2.0 days for class 2 vessels.
• Average gate turn times are 32 minutes for single transactions and 51 minutes for double transactions.
• The average import dwell time is 6.8 days, while the rail dwell time is 1.1 days.
• The terminal experienced severe delays over the weekend due to thunderstorms and lightning.

Houston:

• Waiting times for both Gemini and non-Gemini vessels are up to 3 hours at Barbours Cut Terminal and up to 3 hours at Bayport Container Terminal.
• Average gate turn times at Barbours Cut are 33 minutes for single transactions and 50 minutes for double transactions.
• At Bayport they are 34 minutes for single transactions and 53 minutes for double transactions.
• The average loaded import dwell time is 3.6 days at Barbours Cut and 3.5 days at Bayport Terminals.
• Yard use at Barbours Cut Terminal remains high, and to maintain fluidity the Port of Houston is adjusting receiving days and cut-off times on short notice.

Oakland:

• There is currently no waiting time for Gemini and non-Gemini vessels at Oakland International Container Terminal.
• Average import deliveries take up to 4 days.
• The average gate turn time is 82 minutes.
• Four cranes are out of service at Oakland International Container Terminal.

Seattle-Tacoma:

• There is no waiting time at Husky Tacoma or in Seattle.
• The average import rail dwell time is 2.6 days at Husky and 3 days at Terminal 18 (T18).
• Average gate turn times are 40 minutes at T18, and at Husky they are 43 minutes for single transactions and 66 minutes for double transactions (F-Lot & Terminal combined).
• Husky will not offer Saturday or hoot gates in week 35.

Los Angeles/Long Beach:

• All terminal gates are operating as published and remain in line with the Pier Pass program.
• At the Port of Los Angeles, the average dwell time for local import cargo is 2.9 days, the on-dock rail dwell is 4.3 days, and import units on street average 3.7 days for 20 ft containers and 5.8 days for 40+ ft containers.
• At the Port of Long Beach, local import dwell times remain at 4–8 days.
• The average terminal gate turn time at Long Beach Container Terminal ranges between 43–51 minutes, depending on the shift.

Chassis Pools

All pools are operating as normal except:

1. Chicago - Deficit on 20’ chassis.
2. Columbus - Deficit on 40’ chassis.
3. Baltimore - Constrained 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.