Trump’s new tariffs drive up container freight rates

Container shipping rates have climbed to their highest level in nearly two years as companies rush to move goods into the United States before a new round of trade tariffs proposed by the Trump administration takes effect. As a result, the traditional peak shipping season has started much earlier than usual.

According to Freightos, the cost of shipping a standard 40-foot container from China to the U.S. East Coast surged 62% over the past month to $7,880. Freight rates from China to the Mediterranean increased by 47%, reaching $6,431 per container. Meanwhile, the Platts container freight index has risen by about 80% over the last 30 days.

The main driver behind the increase is Washington’s plan to introduce new tariffs of at least 10% on imports from dozens of countries by the end of July. The measures could affect some of the world’s largest economies, including China, the European Union, India, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Many importers are trying to ensure their shipments arrive in the U.S. before the new duties take effect.

Logistics companies say businesses are not only responding to the threat of higher tariffs but are also seeking to avoid potential disruptions during the peak shipping season. At the same time, higher marine fuel costs linked to instability in the Middle East are adding further pressure to transportation expenses.

Despite the recent surge, current freight rates remain below the record highs seen in 2024, when attacks by Houthi militants in the Red Sea forced shipping lines to reroute vessels around Africa. Nevertheless, the latest increase highlights how expectations of new trade barriers can significantly influence global container shipping markets.