Expeditors says US port fees could tighten ocean capacity, lift freight rates
EXPD•Section 301 port fees remain suspended until January 9 as the US and China negotiate. If reinstated, fees of $120 to $470 per container could tighten capacity and push freight rates higher before Lunar New Year.
1. Potential capacity pressure
Expeditors International of Washington Inc. said potential US port fees could lead Chinese operators to reduce services to the US, tightening ocean capacity and pushing freight rates higher before Lunar New Year. The fees range from $120 to $470 per container and remain suspended until January 9 while the US and China continue negotiations.
2. Congestion persists
Carriers have reallocated fleets to limit exposure to the charges, though the suspension could temporarily free vessels to clear backlogs. Asian port congestion continues to constrain capacity and elevate rates; vessels waiting near Shanghai and Ningbo have fallen to about 25–30 from 200.
