US tariff turmoil spurs near record 30% jump in container freight rates

Surging transpacific spot rates are having a knock-on effect on other trades

The 8,912-teu MSC Tema VII (built 2024) pictured at the Port of Long Beach on the US West Coast. — The 8,912-teu MSC Tema VII (built 2024) pictured at the Port of Long Beach on the US West Coast.Photo: Nick Souza Photography/Port of Long Beach

Ian Lewis

TradeWinds correspondentLondon

Published 30 May 2025, 15:32Updated 2 June 2025, 08:09

Transpacific Shanghai Containerized Freight Index World Container Index Asia-Europe Container freight rates