The ongoing supply and demand imbalance is driving down container prices on U.S. trade routes, as ocean carriers deploy more ships in a soft market. Spot rates as of Dec. 11 from Asia to the U.S. West Coast fell 2%, or $33 per forty foot equivalent unit (FEU) in the latest week, to $1,861 per FEU, analyst Xeneta said in an update. Short-term pricing looks softer after a previous rebound. Rates are down month-on-month by approximately 22%, or $511 per FEU, from Nov. 11, “underlining how much pricing powe ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rapid increase in shipping demand to the United States due to the recent suspension of tariffs, leading to a surge in shipping prices and a competitive rush among foreign trade companies to fulfill orders within a 90-day window [4][6][10]. Group 1: Shipping Demand and Price Surge - Following the announcement of tariff suspensions, shipping demand to the U.S. has significantly increased, with companies racing to fulfill previously paused orders [4][6]. - Shipping prices have risen sharply, with costs for a 40-foot container to the U.S. increasing by over $1,000, reaching approximately $4,000 for the West Coast and $5,000 for the East Coast [4][6]. - The Shanghai Shipping Exchange reported a decline in container shipping prices from February to April, but a notable recovery began after May 12, with spot rates for shipping from Shanghai to Los Angeles rising by 16% [5][6]. Group 2: Impact on Port Operations - The surge in shipping demand is expected to impact port operations, with major ports like Guangzhou and Ningbo responding to increased activity and anticipating a rise in throughput by late May to early June [10][12]. - In the first quarter, major ports such as Shanghai and Ningbo achieved container throughput exceeding 10 million TEUs, indicating robust trade activity [12]. - Ports are expanding their shipping routes, particularly towards Southeast Asia and Africa, as part of a strategy to mitigate risks from traditional markets like North America [2][12][14]. Group 3: Future Market Trends - Companies are focusing on developing new markets in Southeast Asia and Latin America to diversify their business and reduce reliance on North American markets, which currently account for about 15% of their foreign trade [2][14]. - The shipping industry anticipates continued price increases due to supply and demand dynamics, especially as peak shipping season approaches in the latter half of the year [7][8].