Overview

• China’s ports processed a record 6.7 million standard containers in the week of June 16–22, the highest weekly tally ever recorded.
• The surge follows the May 12 trade truce between China and the US, which paused additional tariffs for 90 days before they resume in mid-August.
• Exporters have also redirected shipments through Southeast Asian hubs such as Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia to mitigate impending US tariff exposure.
• Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach report operating below capacity and anticipate an uptick in vessel arrivals over the coming weeks.
• Trans-Pacific freight rates have declined as container capacity outpaces demand after the initial rush to book shipments.