Spot rates from China to U.S. West Coast jump 31% in wake of trade pause

Posted on May 20, 2025   |  

Spot rates from the Shanghai Shipping Exchange reveal intense transpacific shipping activity.

Freight rates from China to the US west coast jumped 31% week-on-week.

Rates to the US east coast rose 22% as shippers rushed to beat tariff deadlines.

Drewry data shows Shanghai–New York rates increased 19% ($704) to $4,350 per FEU.

Shanghai–Los Angeles rates rose 16% ($423) to $3,136 per FEU.

Starting Wednesday, Chinese exports to the US face a 30% tariff—down from 145% imposed over the past six weeks.

The US and China agreed on Monday to reduce tariffs temporarily for 90 days.

The sudden tariff drop sparked a wave of cargo bookings ahead of the new rates.