Ocean freight rates have been rising significantly, impacting major trade lanes including the US East and West Coasts, Asia, and Europe. This increase is driven by several factors: ongoing disruptions in the Red Sea, which are absorbing global shipping capacity; unexpected high demand due to eCommerce growth and restocking efforts; and potential labor strikes in North America. These conditions have led to early implementation of peak season surcharges and frequent General Rate Increases (GRIs), pushing rates higher. For example, recent rates from Asia to the US West Coast and East Coast have surged, and carriers are prioritizing high-revenue shipments due to tight capacity.

Source: What’s behind the unsettling rise in ocean rates?