China–U.S. Ocean Freight Rebounds Steadily as Spot Rates Rise and Port Delays Surface

As China–U.S. trade volume steadily recovers and both e-commerce and traditional B2B shipments grow, the ocean freight market has entered a clear upward trend in May 2025. Major carriers report increasing demand on sailings from key Chinese ports—Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen—toward both the U.S. West Coast (Los Angeles, Long Beach) and East Coast (New York, Savannah), particularly for consumer electronics, home goods, and seasonal merchandise.

Spot rates for 40HQ containers have increased 8%–12% from April, with some premium routes climbing up to 15%. While weekly vessel schedules remain stable, early signs of congestion are emerging: average container pickup times at West Coast terminals are now delayed by 12–24 hours. On the East Coast, labor shortages and chassis availability issues are starting to impact inland delivery timelines.

Experts advise shippers to plan ahead for the upcoming summer sales and back-to-school rush in June. Choosing ports strategically—West Coast for speed, East Coast for lower inspection rates—and working with integrated logistics providers offering customs clearance, drayage, and warehousing will be key to minimizing risks and maintaining cost-efficiency.