New port fees in the U.S. and China (effective Oct 14, 2025) are disrupting global shipping lanes and driving up freight rates. Reuters
- Shipping lines are rerouting vessels to avoid the fees, which is reducing capacity on affected trade corridors.
- The consequence: higher container-rates (e.g., the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index jumped ~12.9 %).
- For cargo operators: expect increased cost pressure, potential delays and the need to revise routing strategies.
What to watch:
- Whether these fee policies broaden to other countries or ports.
- How shippers adapt: Will more freight shift to alternate routes, alternative modes (rail/air)?
- Impact on pricing and contract negotiations in the next 3–6 months.