Container Rates Slide 12% to $3,000 per FEU as US Plans Port Fees
Freightos data shows Asia-U.S. East Coast container rates tumbled 12% to $3,000 per FEU, with Asia-North Europe routes down 5% to $2,400 and Mediterranean rates off 4% at $3,600 per FEU. The U.S. Maritime Action Plan proposes port fees from $150 to $3,750 per FEU on foreign vessels.
1. Trans-Pacific Rate Declines
Freightos reported Asia-U.S. East Coast container rates fell 12% to $3,000 per FEU, reverting to early December levels before Lunar New Year demand surge. Asia-North Europe rates dropped 5% to $2,400 per FEU and Mediterranean rates decreased 4% to $3,600 per FEU.
2. Proposed U.S. Port Fee Structure
The U.S. Maritime Action Plan outlines port fees on foreign-built vessels ranging from $0.01 to $0.25 per kilo of freight, translating to $150–$3,750 per FEU. The plan remains without a set implementation timeline, pending further legislative action in Congress.
3. Freightos's SONAR Data Platform
Freightos contributes SONAR data covering global container freight rates and capacity trends, leveraging real-time analytics to track shifts in trade flows, including increased commerce on Far East–West Africa lanes and reduced services on trans-Atlantic routes.
4. Hapag-Lloyd's Zim Acquisition
Hapag-Lloyd agreed to acquire Zim for $4.2 billion, which would elevate its capacity above 3 million TEUs when combined and close the gap to fourth-largest carrier. The purchase could bolster Hapag-Lloyd's market share on Far East-North America and trans-Atlantic routes.