China-U.S. Shipping Rates Spike as Exporters Rush to Beat Potential Trump Tariffs
00:00/00:00
Listen to this article
1x
Subscribe now
Listen to the full version
Listen to the full version
Freight rates on routes from China to the U.S. are surging amid fears of new tariffs. Photo: VCG
Freight rates on routes from China to the U.S. are surging amid fears of new tariffs, prompting some exporters to rush shipments and adding fresh volatility to global supply chains.
The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI), a key barometer for shipping prices, jumped 12.9% week-on-week on Oct. 17. The increase was driven by a 32% spike in rates for containers on the Pacific route, which hit $1,936 per 40-foot equivalent unit (FEU).
You've accessed an article available only to subscribers
VIEW OPTIONS
Unlock exclusive discounts with a Caixin group subscription — ideal for teams and organizations.
Subscribe to both Caixin Global and The Wall Street Journal — for the price of one.
- RELATED
Share this article
Open WeChat and scan the QR code
- DIGEST HUB
Digest Hub
Back
Explore the story in 30 seconds
- Freight rates from China to the U.S. surged, with Pacific route container prices jumping 32% to $1,936/FEU following tariff fears.
- Chinese and U.S. shippers are diversifying supply chains; China’s exports to the U.S. dropped 27% year-on-year in September 2023, while Walmart’s China sourcing fell from 80% in 2018 to 60% in 2023.
- Overall, China’s exports increased by 8.3% in September, driven by demand from regions outside the U.S.
AI generated, for reference only
Who’s Who
- Walmart
- Walmart, a retail giant, has adjusted its sourcing strategy to mitigate tariff volatility. In the first eight months of 2023, Walmart sourced 60% of its goods from China, a notable decrease from 80% in 2018. This demonstrates a trend among U.S. importers to diversify their supply chains beyond China.
AI generated, for reference only
What Happened When
- 2018：
- Walmart sourced 80% of its goods from China.
- First eight months of 2023：
- Walmart sourced 60% of its goods from China, down from 80% in 2018.
- April and May 2025：
- There was a previous, stronger wave of rush shipments to the U.S. due to tariff threats.
- September 2025：
- Many shipping lines saw rates fall below cost as cargo volumes on U.S. routes remained low.
- By September 2025：
- China's exports to the U.S. fell 27% year-on-year to $34.3 billion, marking the sixth straight month of double-digit declines.
- October 13–19, 2025：
- Freight rates from Shanghai to European ports rose 7.2% to $1,145 per 20-foot equivalent unit.
- Oct. 17, 2025：
- The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) jumped 12.9% week-on-week, with Pacific route container rates rising 32% to $1,936 per 40-foot equivalent unit.
AI generated, for reference only
- PODCAST
- MOST POPULAR
Sign in with Google
Sign in with Facebook
Sign in with 财新