Shipping Costs Surge to Two-Year High Amid Global Trade Uncertainty
Global maritime transport costs have climbed to their highest level in two years, according to financial data cited by the Financial Times, reflecting growing pressure on international supply chains amid renewed trade uncertainty.
Industry analysts report that freight rates have risen sharply on major shipping routes, particularly between Asia and the United States as well as between Asia and Europe. Data from the digital freight platform Freightos shows that prices reached their highest level since mid-2024 during the past week.
The cost of shipping a standard 40-foot container from China to the US East Coast surged to approximately $7,880, marking a monthly increase of more than 60%. Meanwhile, shipping rates from China to the Mediterranean region rose by nearly 47%, reaching around $6,431 per container.
The Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) noted that uncertainty surrounding trade policies and rising fuel costs have contributed to the increase. According to the organization, many importers—particularly in the United States—have accelerated shipments in anticipation of potential tariff changes and seasonal disruptions.
Freightos analyst Judah Levine added that both shippers and carriers are adjusting schedules earlier than usual to avoid possible supply chain disruptions during the summer period, as well as to mitigate risks linked to geopolitical tensions affecting energy and transport costs.
The surge in shipping prices comes as the United States prepares to introduce new tariff measures ranging between 10% and 12.5% on imports from around 60 countries. The measures follow an investigation launched earlier into trade practices, including concerns over labor conditions in global supply chains.
The ongoing developments highlight the fragility of global logistics networks, which remain highly sensitive to political decisions, energy market volatility, and shifts in international trade policy.
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