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Weekly analysis: 17 Oct 2025

USTR fees escalate US–China trade tensions, though carriers say they won’t pass this cost to shippers

on US calls.

New port charges on Chinese vessels calling US ports—and retaliatory fees on US-linked ships entering China—have taken effect, adding hundreds of dollars per teu on operational costs and complicating trade flows. Nevertheless, operational impacts are set to remain limited as carriers are adjusting networks and reducing exposure.

Meanwhile, European labour unrest and capacity management measures such as blanked sailings and service suspensions are adding further pressure on the supply chain. 

Between weeks 43 (20–26 October) and 47 (17–23 November), carriers have withdrawn 7% of scheduled sailings (51 out of 714) on key East–West routes, with 49% of cancellations on the Transpacific eastbound, 33% on Asia–Europe/Med, and 18% on Transatlantic westbound. During this period, 93% of weekly departures are expected to proceed as planned (see above).

Drewry reports carriers have announced 90 blanked sailings in October, up from 58 in September, with a 6% MoM reduction in capacity on key East–West routes. November is expected to see capacity rise 9% and cancellations fall to 52. 

Freight markets have shown short-term resilience: Drewry’s World Container Index rose 2% WoW to $1,687 per 40ft on 16 October, ending a 16-week decline, with rates up 4% on Asia–Europe/Med, 1% on Transpacific, and 2% on Transatlantic.

Looking ahead, shippers are advised to plan proactively: secure space early, consider alternative routes, and monitor port schedules and service updates. Flexibility and close coordination with service providers are essential amid ongoing uncertainty.

Solutions for shippers...

If you’re an international shipper/BCO and would like to learn more about the targeted support and advice we can give to service provider contracts, budgeting and tender preparations this year, reach out to our team of ocean freight procurement and cost benchmarking experts at supplychains@drewry.co.uk.