Why Are Ocean Freight Rates to the U.S. Rising When Tariffs Are Easing? Here’s What You Need to Know

In recent days, many shippers and sellers have been asking the same question:
“If tariffs are being relaxed, why are freight rates still going up?”

At first glance, it does seem confusing. But once you take a closer look at current shipping trends and capacity issues, the answer becomes clear:
We’re in the middle of a capacity crunch — and it’s pushing rates higher.

🚢 Shipping Lines Are Fully Booked

After more than a month of delayed shipping plans (due to high tariffs and uncertainty), many sellers are now rushing to get their goods moving.
Add to that the preparation for the second half of the year — a traditional peak season — and the result is an overwhelmed shipping market.

Major carriers like HMM, COSCO, and ONE have already announced General Rate Increases (GRIs), with freight rates set to rise by $800–$1,000 per container starting May 15.

🔥 Strong Demand Meets Limited Space

Even without the tariff factor, May to September is historically the busiest season for U.S.-bound shipments.
And this year is no exception:

• Amazon Prime Day has been confirmed for July, prompting e-commerce sellers to ship goods now.
• The U.S. retail calendar is packed in the second half of the year, including back-to-school, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Christmas.
• Many sellers are also afraid of future policy changes and are shipping early to avoid disruption.

With booking volumes surging and vessel capacity lagging, space is tight and rollovers are increasing. This has created a short-term price surge, and rates could continue to climb further in the coming weeks.

✅ What Should Sellers Do?

If you’re planning to restock inventory or clear warehouse space, here’s our advice:

• Book your space early. The earlier you secure your container, the better your chance of avoiding delays or rate spikes.
• Prepare for longer lead times. Even with a booking, space availability is becoming unpredictable.
• Don’t wait. With continued strong demand and limited capacity, waiting could mean higher costs and missed sales.

📦 Final Word:
This isn’t just about tariffs — it’s a seasonal surge meeting a logistical bottleneck.
Now is the time to act smart, plan ahead, and move fast.