Freight market update - 4 September 2025

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• The United States has confirmed plans to raise tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, with implementation set for late August.

• The tariffs could impact up to 66% of India’s exports to the U.S., driving cost escalation across a wide range of consumer and industrial products.

• Importers may also encounter increased customs scrutiny, particularly around country-of-origin documents and possible trans-shipment in the region.

• The global container ship orderbook equals about 30% of the active fleet, with supply growth projected at 5–8% annually through 2028, outpacing demand growth of 2–4% and raising risks of structural overcapacity.

• Bookings into early Q3 stayed strong, but August demand is softening, with forecasts pointing to further decline in the second half as the 15% U.S. tariff on EU goods reduces flows.

Read on for more in-depth updates.

Asia → North America

US/CA

Transpacific Trends and Market Updates

• Demand remains flat with no surge in volumes expected, while some carriers are implementing blank sailings.
• Rates stayed low through the second half of August but are expected to rise as carriers announce September increases.
• Congestion is generally under control, with improvements noted in the U.S. East Coast.
• Southeast Asian ports are reporting higher export volumes than China, shifting regional trade flows.
• Carriers such as HMM and Evergreen warn that the expiry of the U.S. tariff grace period will heighten volatility and sustain congestion on major East–West trades.
• The global container ship orderbook equals about 30% of the active fleet, with supply growth projected at 5–8% annually through 2028, outpacing demand growth of 2–4% and raising risks of structural overcapacity.
• Recent U.S. tariff developments related to India have created uncertainty, with potential for rapid changes if tariffs are adjusted.
• Space remains available on the MECL service, with weekly sailings scheduled through September.

Central China

• SHA → USWC: Space is stable but lacks large-volume cargo; allotments fluctuate, so bookings need careful planning.
• SHA → USEC: Market is steady, though allotments shift; early confirmation is recommended.

North China

• TSN: Market is strong, with freighter services offering earlier ETDs; bookings should be made 4–5 days in advance.
• DLC/PEK: Rates remain stable; dense cargo can secure spot space, but larger shipments need 6–7 days’ notice and may be split across flights. UA flights have returned to normal operations this week.
• TAO: Overall market is stable; space is tighter to the East Coast but more available to the West. Spot bookings are possible for dense or urgent cargo.

South China

• CAN: Market is stable, though occasional flight cancellations require case-by-case booking confirmation.
• SZX: Conditions remain steady, with all bookings handled directly with carriers.
• XMN: Airlines have cut space allotments due to high temperatures, but overall conditions remain similar to last week.

Turkey → North America

• Transatlantic westbound volumes are easing after a strong first half of 2025, driven by U.S. stockpiling and frontloading ahead of new tariffs.
• Bookings into early Q3 stayed strong, but August demand is softening, with forecasts pointing to further decline in the second half as the 15% U.S. tariff on EU goods reduces flows.
• Capacity on North Europe–U.S. trade remains high, with year-on-year vessel deployment increasing.
• Elevated capacity has pushed spot rates lower in the second half of August, with the downward trend expected to continue into September.
• North American supply chains face pressure from tariffs, port congestion, and global routing disruptions, resulting in longer lead times and variable carrier performance.
• Some manufacturers advanced orders ahead of tariff announcements; others shifted sourcing or adjusted timing due to uncertainty.
• Lead logistics support is evolving: companies must improve planning accuracy and respond faster to disruptions.
• KPMG notes many businesses are using generative AI and orchestration tools for smarter procurement, routing, and fulfillment.
• Tools alone aren’t enough—alignment of data, systems, and stakeholders is critical.

To navigate challenges:

• Build end-to-end visibility across your supply chain.
• Consolidate transport and inventory data into a single view to detect delays early.
• Use predictive alerts and exception management tools to address disruptions before they impact customers.
• Validate alternative routing options, especially if exposed to West Coast congestion or single-lane risks.

North America → Turkey

• The United States has confirmed plans to raise tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, with implementation set for late August.
• The duties are being imposed in response to India’s continued imports of Russian oil and are among the harshest tariff rates applied to any country (excluding suspended Chinese tariffs).
• The tariffs could impact up to 66% of India’s exports to the U.S., driving cost escalation across a wide range of consumer and industrial products.
• Pharmaceuticals and electronics (including iPhones assembled in India) are exempt, but textiles, jewellery, and seafood sectors are already seeing cancelled U.S. orders and demand diverted to Bangladesh and Vietnam.
• Indian officials have indicated no plans to reduce Russian oil purchases, though refiners are cautiously exploring alternative supply options.
• A swift resolution appears unlikely, meaning importers may face a prolonged period of higher duties.
• Importers may also encounter increased customs scrutiny, particularly around country-of-origin documents and possible trans-shipment in the region.
• Rates from India to North Europe have stabilised in the second half of August after steady increases since June, with early signs of slight market cooling in September.
• Bangladesh to North Europe rates remain elevated on some carriers, with Chittagong congestion continuing to impact operations.
• Severe congestion at Chittagong persists, with high yard density delaying vessel operations and inland transport.
• Colombo is also experiencing disruption due to yard density, inter-terminal transfers, and adverse weather.
• In Bangladesh, the inland container depots association has announced higher local CFS charges from September, with negotiations ongoing; stuffing costs at origin may be affected.

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 hrs for both Gemini and non-Gemini vessels at APMT and Maher Terminals.
• Gate turn times: 43 mins (single) / 72 mins (double) at APMT; 32 mins at Maher.
• Import rail dwell time: 0.5 days at APMT / 0.6 days at Maher.
• Equipment: Last new crane at East berth expected operational by end of summer.
• Gate demand: High demand for appointments at APMT; exporters encouraged to deliver cargo early when appointment availability is higher.

Norfolk:

• Waiting time: Up to 6 hrs for Gemini and non-Gemini vessels.
• Gate turn times: NIT – 28 mins (single) / 38 mins (double); VIG – 38 mins (single) / 58 mins (double).
• Import dwell time: 2.9 days.
• North NIT estimated to be operational in late September.

Charleston Terminal:

• Waiting time: 6 hrs at Wando Welch; no waiting at North Charleston Terminal.
• Truck turn times: Wando Welch – 19 mins; North Charleston – 16 mins; Leatherman – 18 mins.
• Import dwell times: Wando Welch – 8.5 days; North Charleston – 4.8 days.

Savannah:

• Vessel berth waiting time: Up to 1.9 days (class 1) / 2.0 days (class 2).
• Gate turn times: 32 mins (single) / 51 mins (double).
• Import dwell time: 6.8 days; rail dwell time: 1.1 days.
• Operations: Severe weekend delays due to thunderstorms/lightning.

Houston:

• Waiting time: Up to 3 hrs at Barbours Cut and Bayport Container Terminals.
• Gate turn times: Barbours Cut – 33 mins (single) / 50 mins (double); Bayport – 34 mins (single) / 53 mins (double).
• Import dwell times: Barbours Cut – 3.6 days; Bayport – 3.5 days.
• Yard utilization: High at Barbours Cut; port adjusting receiving days and cut-off times on short notice.

Oakland:

• Waiting time: No delay for Gemini and non-Gemini vessels at OICT.
• Import deliveries: Up to 4 days.
• Gate turn time: 82 mins.
• Equipment: 4 cranes out of service at OICT.

Seattle-Tacoma:

• Waiting time: None at Husky Tacoma or Seattle.
• Import rail dwell times: Husky – 2.6 days; T18 – 3 days.
• Gate turn times: T18 – 40 mins; Husky – 43 mins (single) / 66 mins (double).
• Husky: No Saturday or hoot gates in week 35.

Los Angeles/Long Beach:

• Gates: All terminals operating as scheduled under Pier Pass program.
• Port of Los Angeles dwell times: 2.9 days (local imports), 4.3 days (on-dock rail), 3.7 days (20 ft street units), 5.8 days (40+ ft street units).
• Port of Long Beach dwell times: 4–8 days for local imports.
• Gate turn times: Long Beach Container Terminal – 43–51 mins, depending on 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.