As reported by the Journal of Commerce last month, ocean carriers have increased spot rates for eastbound trans-pacific cargo by an average of 3.3% to the East Coast, and 8.4% to the West Coast. This following further service cuts resulting in lower capacity and subsequently higher prices.
Most carriers claim that capacity cuts have been made due to rising bunker costs along with anticipation over slowed volumes. Brinksmanship between the Trump administration and China over tariffs have threatened the total volume of global trade and carriers are subsequently bracing for a drop in trans-Pacific cargo.