Situation

Vessel utilization remains high, with ships booked three to four weeks in advance to the US East Coast, and freight rates continue to rise.

Several carriers are introducing an additional Peak Season Surcharge (PSS), while others are implementing General Rate Increases (GRIs) and Rate Restoration Initiatives (RRIs). Rates on this trade lane are also continuing to increase. Equipment is not yet a concern but should be monitored closely.

Intermodal connections to Northern European ports also remain severely constrained, with lead times currently estimated at approximately two to three weeks.

Obstacles

Higher transport costs are creating additional challenges for the transatlantic trade, and further rate increases on routes to Canada and Mexico are likely to follow. Renewed tensions between the United States and Iran have led to additional uncertainty in the market. Any further escalation could put additional pressure on global fuel prices and potentially increase operating costs. While the long-term implications remain difficult to predict, the current geopolitical environment suggests that fuel cost volatility will continue to be a key concern.

Outlook
The outlook remains highly uncertain. Current market conditions continue to be influenced by frontloading activities, as importers accelerate shipments in anticipation of potential future US tariff hikes. This has contributed to sustained high demand and continued pressure on freight rates.

Looking ahead, it remains to be seen how US trade policy will evolve over the coming weeks, especially as even a long-standing partner like Canada is once again facing tariffs.

Main Ports: North Europe to US East Coast

^{Source: Market average rates for 40‘ containers according to www.xeneta.com}

Main Ports: North Europe to US West Coast