Trade Insights: China-USA Lane Analysis for Weeks 50-51, 2025

Wan Hai Launches New IPI Services; HMM Upgrades U.S. East Coast Routes; Rates Continue to Decline

Amid softened export demand toward year-end, the China–U.S. trade lane saw several notable developments during Week 50–51 of 2025. Carriers have intensified their network adjustments on Trans-Pacific services, while freight rates continued to fall and space remained readily available. This update provides exporters with actionable insights, covering industry news, rate movements, market impact, shipment recommendations, and logistics solutions.

I. Trans-Pacific Carriers Announce Multiple Service Enhancements

1. Wan Hai Introduces New IPI Services to the U.S. Interior

Wan Hai has expanded its existing PS6 (USWC) and AA7 (USEC) services by adding IPI (Inland Point Intermodal) connections, significantly improving delivery timelines from China to major inland consumption markets across the United States.

PS6 Service (Discharge Port: Long Beach, CA – TTI Terminal)

Inland destinations: Chicago, Dallas, Memphis

Rail provider: BNSF

Estimated rail transit: approx. 4.5 days

AA7 Service (Discharge Port: Norfolk, VA – On-Dock NIT Terminal)

Inland destinations: Chicago, Cleveland, Cincinnati

Rail provider: Norfolk Southern

Estimated rail transit: approx. 4 days

These upgrades considerably shorten end-to-end transit from China to U.S. inland regions while reducing reliance on long-haul trucking.

2. HMM Enhances Its EC1 / EC2 / EC3 U.S. East Coast Services

Although the upgrades apply primarily to Southeast Asia origins, the overall vessel deployment and transshipment capacity on the U.S. East Coast network also benefits China-origin exports.

EC2 Service Enhancements

Added: Cai Mep (eastbound)

Added westbound calls: Halifax, Singapore

Removed: Xiamen (eastbound)

Replaced: Manzanillo and Busan

First effective voyages:

Eastbound: HMM Victory 0058E

Westbound: Hyundai Pluto 0043W

EC1 / EC3 Adjustments

Westbound additions: Manzanillo, Busan

EC3 westbound Halifax call removed (imports to be handled via EC2)

Overall, HMM’s upgraded EC network strengthens schedule reliability and enhances routing optionality for China-to-East-Coast cargo.

II. Rate Overview: China → USA (Week 50–51, 2025)

U.S. West Coast (USWC)

Trend: Declining

Market level (40HQ): USD 1,200–1,500

Space: Ample

Drivers: Weakened U.S. consumption, policy uncertainties, carriers’ GRI attempts unsuccessful

U.S. East Coast (USEC)

Trend: Declining

Market level (40HQ): USD 1,800–2,300

Space: Sufficient

Outlook: Rates expected to remain low through December 14

III. Market Impact: What This Means for Chinese Exporters

1. Lower shipping costs create a favorable replenishment window

Both USWC and USEC rates are at multi-month lows. Manufacturers and exporters can reduce logistics cost significantly for bulk shipments.

2. IPI networks improve inland market delivery

Ideal for sectors such as:

Building hardware, stainless steel products, bathroom accessories

Furniture, automotive parts, machinery components

High-volume B2B shipments

IPI solutions reduce trucking dependence and provide faster, more predictable delivery to inland markets such as Chicago, Dallas, and Memphis.

3. Strengthened East Coast coverage benefits sellers targeting NY–NJ–VA–OH markets

HMM’s expanded EC configuration enhances stability for East Coast replenishment flows.

4. Softer demand means better rate negotiation opportunities

Shippers can access competitive pricing on both direct and transshipment services.

IV. Shipment Recommendations for Factories, Trading Companies, and Cross-Border Sellers

Recommendation 1: Utilize the current rate decline for replenishment

Rates are at seasonal lows. Consider locking space early or scheduling immediate departures.

Recommendation 2: Choose IPI for inland-market shipments

Chicago / Dallas / Memphis via Long Beach

Cincinnati / Cleveland via Norfolk
IPI provides significant cost savings and fewer handling segments.

Recommendation 3: For time-sensitive cargo, prioritize EC2 / EC1 services

HMM’s stable schedules offer reliable East Coast delivery performance.

Recommendation 4: Plan early for post–Chinese New Year demand

Expect short-term space tightening after the holiday; pre-booking is advised for Q1 2026 orders.

V. China → USA End-to-End Solutions

We offer comprehensive freight forwarding and last-mile services for China-origin cargo:

Full container load (FCL) and LCL shipments to USWC / USEC / US Gulf

U.S. warehouse storage and nationwide fulfillment (FBA/FBM)

IPI rail solutions to Chicago, Dallas, Memphis

Customs clearance, drayage, domestic trucking, Amazon delivery appointments

U.S. and Canada last-mile delivery

Contact us to obtain:
Real-time freight quotes + route optimization + full transit planning.