Shipping Rates Diverged on Asia-to-US and Europe Lanes
Importers face rising transpacific logistics costs while European routes stabilize as capacity increases.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in International Trade
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Transpacific shipping prices for Far East to West Coast cargo rose 4% to over $8,100 per FEU last week, reaching yearly highs as demand remained resilient. Meanwhile, rates from Asia to North Europe and the Mediterranean fell significantly, driven by an uptick in Red Sea transits.
Why it matters
The split in pricing highlights how geopolitical transit shifts and regional congestion are creating uneven cost pressures for global supply chain operators. While European capacity is temporarily easing, transpacific congestion persists, keeping US import costs elevated as peak season demand continues.
Asia to Mediterranean rates fell 7% to $3,900 per FEU, while air cargo from China to North Europe dropped 18% to $4.30 per kg. US East Coast rates remained level at $9,600 per FEU, and China to US air cargo stayed stable at $6.50 per kg.
The players
Verdi
A major German trade union currently organizing votes among port workers for a potential indefinite strike.
USTR
The United States Trade Representative office responsible for conducting Section 301 investigations and managing trade policy.
The details
Carriers have utilized blanked sailings to pull capacity and manage lower demand volumes on European lanes, effectively countering the influx of vessel tonnage returning to Red Sea transits. Conversely, Far East port congestion and continued high demand are restricting available capacity for transpacific trade. Operators moving goods into the US face sustained high freight costs, while those shipping to Europe may see short-term margin relief from lower spot rates.
Timeline
October 2026: Possible start date for a German port strike.
November 2026: Expiration date for the current US-China trade agreement.
Market Landscape
The potential implementation of Section 301 tariffs follows established precedents for US-China trade friction that periodically influence freight demand and pricing. These developments sit alongside ongoing labor volatility, reflecting a broader trend where geopolitical and union pressures directly dictate vessel capacity and lane profitability.
Operators reliant on transpacific routes should prepare for sustained elevated freight costs through the end of peak season. Procurement teams should audit current shipping contracts and budget for potential volatility if German port activity is halted by pending labor actions.
The takeaway
The bifurcation of shipping rates requires operators to adjust procurement strategies based on the specific lane of travel rather than global averages. Monitor upcoming labor negotiations in Germany and US tariff signals to manage margin risk for international supply chains.
What happens next
Market participants should monitor the outcome of the Verdi union vote regarding the potential indefinite port strike in Germany and track the US administration's decision on the proposed 7.5% tariff increase on Chinese exports prior to the November 2026 agreement expiration.
Further reading
For broader insights on global trade dynamics, visit the International Trade section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Container News.
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