Top Trans-Pacific Carriers and Ports

Special Report

Many US retailers bracing for stiff trans-Pacific contract rate hikes

By Bill Mongelluzzo and Mark Szakonyi

With exceptionally strong demand in the eastbound trans-Pacific in May, most carriers are hitting retailers with PSSs of $ 2,000 per FEU, forwarders said. Retailers have been frontloading fall and holiday merchandise ahead of new tariffs and possibly even higher fuel prices.

US imports from Asia swell on frontloading rush

Containerized US imports from Asia, in laden TEUs, with year-over-year change

Large and midsize US retailers’ newly agreed trans-Pacific service contract rates may more than double this summer due to increased bunker fuel costs and hefty peak season surcharges( PSSs).

For 2026 – 27 contracts— most of which took effect May 1— rates are about $ 1,700 to $ 1,900 per FEU from Asia to the West Coast and $ 1,000 per FEU higher to the East Coast, slightly below 2025 – 26.

However, the bunker adjustment factor( BAF) for contracts that reset on a quarterly basis will rise by about $ 300 to $ 400 per FEU on July 1, following global oil prices that remain elevated due to the Iran war, forwarders said. Monthly-reset contracts already reflect the increase.

TEU volume

30 % 2,000,000

20 %

1,360,386 1,500,000

70 %

2,000,000 1,000,000

500,000

0 L Jul Oct Jan 2025 Apr Jul Oct Jan 2026 Apr

Jul, 2025

TEU Year-over-year % change

-40 10 %

0 %

-10%

-20 %

Source: S & P Global © 2026 S & P Globa

Year-over-year % change

14 Journal of Commerce | July 6, 2026 www. joc. com