Top Trans-Pacific Carriers and Ports
Special Report
Retailers“ will definitely see higher BAF rates,” one forwarder who asked not to be identified said.“ Carriers are going to try to get a $ 2,000 PSS, which will take the contract rates to $ 4,000.”
US imports from Asia in May jumped to 1.68 million TEUs, up 13 % from April, almost 20 % higher year over year, and the highest since last August, according to PIERS, a sister company of the Journal of Commerce within S & P Global.
“ Carriers are going to try to get a $ 2,000 PSS, which will take the contract rates to $ 4,000.”
Spot rate gains in the eastbound trans-Pacific that began in late March accelerated in May. Average shortterm pricing from Asia to the US West Coast hit a 22-month high of $ 6,300 per FEU in the week of June 22, up 246.2 % since the start of the war in the Middle East and 144.2 % year over year, according to Platts, also part of S & P Global. Retailers and other direct importers pay spot rates on non-contract shipments.
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Carriers, meanwhile, have been implementing general rate increases( GRIs) on a twice-monthly basis this spring. Forwarders say carriers have filed with the US Federal Maritime Commission for another GRI on July 1, and they expect at least a portion of the increase to stick.
Average Asia – USWC spot rates hit a 22-month high of $ 6,300 per FEU in late June. Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock. com
Trans-Pacific spot rates highest since August 2024
Container spot rates from North Asia to US West and East coasts, in USD per FEU
USD per FEU
$ 10,000
$ 8,000
$ 10,000 6,000
$ 4,000
$ 2,000
$ 0
Source: Platts, S & P Global
LJul Jan 2025 Jul
Jan 2026
North Asia to US East Coast North Asia to US West Coast
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July 6, 2026 | Journal of Commerce 15