Expeditors Says US Port Fees Could Tighten Ocean Capacity, Lift Freight Rates

• Section 301 port fees remain suspended until January 9 while the US and China continue negotiations.
• Potential charges range from $120 to $470 per container, creating pressure to shift Chinese-built vessels away from US trades.
• Carriers have reallocated fleets to limit exposure, though the suspension could temporarily free vessels to clear backlogs.
• Reinstating fees could prompt Chinese operators to reduce US services, tightening capacity and pushing freight rates higher before Lunar New Year.
• Asian port congestion continues to constrain capacity and elevate rates, despite waiting vessels near Shanghai and Ningbo falling to about 25–30 from 200.

Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. Expeditors International of Washington Inc. published the original content used to generate this news brief on October 28, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.