🚢U.S. Shipping Update – 5th Week of May
Release time:
2025-05-26
Highlights: Overbooked Space｜Rising Rates｜Tariff Changes｜FBA Warehouse Congestion
As we enter the final week of May, U.S.-bound logistics face significant challenges, including tight space availability, increasing freight rates, shifting trade policies, and severe FBA warehouse congestion. Here’s our latest market overview and shipping recommendations to help you plan ahead, reduce costs, and secure delivery times
1. Space Shortage｜U.S.-bound Space Sells Out in One Day
📌 Current Situation
Triggered by upcoming tariff changes, most space for late-May sailings has already been sold out.
Media reports show that some vessels were fully booked within a single day.
Major carriers like Matson, Evergreen, and COSCO have announced GRI increases of $500–$1,500 per container, with rates potentially exceeding $10,000 in June.
✅ Our Advice
Ship ASAP to lock in current rates before the June surge.
Choose our East Coast Express Line: 48-hour transloading, pallet-ready, first-in-line for rail, with POD delivery as fast as 22 days.
⚠️ Yantian Port Customs inspections have intensified, especially for metals, rare earths, and tariff-free goods. Declare truthfully to avoid penalties or delays.
2. Tariff Update｜Battery Materials Face 721% Countervailing Duty
📌 Policy Alert
On May 20, the U.S. announced a countervailing duty up to 721.03% on certain Chinese battery materials, citing “unfair subsidy practices.”
Affected goods: Graphite, silicon – key components for EV batteries
HS Codes: 2504.10.5000, 3801.10.5000
Key dates:
May 27 – Preliminary ruling
September 19 – Final decision
✅ Our Advice
Sellers of affected products must monitor the situation closely.
Ship before May 27 to potentially benefit from lower duty windows.
3. Port Closures｜Memorial Day Impacts on U.S. Ports
📌Holiday Notice
U.S. ports will suspend operations on Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day.
Impacted ports: NEW YORK, MIAMI, TAMPA, BOSTON, HOUSTON
✅ Our Advice
Expect 1-day delay in pickup and delivery. Operations resume May 27.
Adjust delivery expectations and promotion schedules accordingly.
4. FBA Warehouse Congestion｜Severe Backlogs on Both Coasts
📌 Current Situation
Due to surging volumes, Amazon’s warehouses are facing serious backlogs, delaying inbound and last-mile timelines.
Severely congested FBA codes include:
West Coast: SBD1, ONT8, GEU2, FTW1, PSC2, etc.
East Coast: ABE8, TEB9, SWF2, CLT2, XLX1, etc.
✅ Our Response
Our U.S. warehouse team has initiated 24/7 appointment refresh mechanisms.
We are using premium booking services to secure delivery slots at all costs.
We provide transit to alternative warehouses or cooperate with Amazon pickup requests as needed.
✅ Shipping Strategy Summary Table
Risk Factor | Recommended Actions |
Space Shortage | Ship immediately via efficient channels like East Coast Express |
Rate Increases | Dispatch before June to control shipping costs |
Tariff Risk | Ship sensitive goods by May 27 to avoid steep duty hikes |
Port Holiday | Anticipate delays, avoid peak times |
FBA Congestion | Use our stable delivery network for dynamic allocation and booking |
📌Key Takeaways for Sellers
Act Fast – Tariff-sensitive cargo should ship before May 27.
Avoid Delays – Bypass congested warehouses and holiday-affected ports.
Stay Connected – Contact your account manager for real-time space availability and custom logistics planning.
Plan Inventory – Front-load shipments to avoid OOS or warehouse overstock.
Weekly Adjustments – Monitor market updates weekly to respond to space, price, and policy shifts.
📌 For real-time booking updates, custom logistics plans, or one-on-one shipping consultations, please contact your dedicated logistics advisor. We’re here to ensure your cargo moves safely, smoothly, and on time.
