Major Carriers Expand China to US Shipping Routes Amid Tariff Pause
A temporary pause in tariffs for US importing from China has sparked a notable rebound in shipping activity, underscoring the Shipping Industry Response to US-China Trade Changes. Container rates will see a obvious increase in this June and July.
As of May 20, more than nine carriers have made rapid strategic moves within just a few days. These include launching new transpacific routes, reinstating previously suspended services, and deploying additional services to accommodate the anticipated surge in demand.
Shipping Industry Response to China-US Trade Changes
Surge in Container Bookings and Market Demand
The temporary pause in tariffs by the US government has led to a noticeable surge in container bookings, reflecting the shipping industry's adaptability to evolving trade dynamics. Major ports, such as the Port of Los Angeles, have reported increased vessel bookings from China. Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the port, highlighted that while the current levels remain controlled, they signify a rebound in shipping activity. Hapag-Lloyd, a leading carrier, observed a 50% rise in cargo bookings following the tariff agreement.
The demand for container shipping services has also driven up freight rates. According to Freightos, rates increased by 3% to both US coasts, while Drewry reported a 2% rise in rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles and a 4% increase from Shanghai to New York. These adjustments reflect the heightened market demand and the shipping industry's ability to respond swiftly.
Supply-Demand Imbalance and Price Adjustments
The surge in demand has created a supply-demand imbalance on China-US shipping routes. As carriers allocate more capacity to the China–US shiiping lane, this imbalance has triggered price adjustments. Ray, a pricing manager at YQN Logistics, noted, “Many lower-rate contracts have been canceled and replaced with new contracts at higher rates.”
However, the long-term impact of these adjustments will depend on the stability of US-China trade relations and the international economic environment.
Actions by Major Carriers to Meet Market Demand
ZIM's Resumption of the ZX2 West Coast Express Service
Known for its agility, ZIM wasted no time reinstating its US West Coast express service ZX2, which it had only suspended a month earlier. The service resumes with departures from Xiamen on May 23, Shanghai on May 27, and Ningbo on May 29. An extra sailing from Yantian is scheduled for May 22.
Premier Alliance's New and Upgraded Services (PS4, PS5, PS6)
The Premier Alliance—comprising ONE, HMM, and Yang Ming—has made one of the boldest expansions. It unveiled a brand-new PS5 service and upgraded two existing loops, PS4 and PS6, all targeting the US West Coast.
PS5 will begin with YM Mobility on June 5 from Qingdao, calling at Ningbo, Long Beach, Oakland, and Kobe.
PS4, upgraded and streamlined, will start on June 6 with YM Unanimity from Xiamen, shifting Ningbo calls to the new PS5 route.
PS6 will cut Qingdao in favour of Shanghai and begin on June 8 with HMM Turquoise, also serving Los Angeles and Oakland.
If you need special rates for US-China shipping, contact YQN Logistics today at info@yqn.com.
Deployment of Extra Ships by Hapag-Lloyd and Wan Hai
Hapag-Lloyd and Wan Hai are quietly deploying ad-hoc vessels to capture the booming China to US shipping route demand.
Wan Hai’s WAN HAI 516, originally serving the China–India CI2 loop, has been redirected to the US West Coast, departing from Shekou, Xiamen, Ningbo, and Qingdao, and calling at Long Beach and Oakland.
Hapag-Lloyd’s DALLAS EXPRESS (4,890 TEU) is scheduled to leave Yantian on May 31, calling at Shanghai and Busan en route to Los Angeles.
TSL and SM Line's Shared US Line Schedule
After on-and-off participation in the US trade, TS Lines and SM Line have rejoined the transpacific market, announcing a joint service with TS TACOMA (voyage 2506E). The vessel will call Ningbo (May 18), Shanghai (May 20), and Qingdao (May 22), before reaching Long Beach’s Pier A on June 7.
If you need special rates for US-China shipping, contact YQN Logistics today at info@yqn.com.
KMTC's New US West Coast Route (APX)
KMTC, a South Korean regional carrier traditionally focused on Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Russia, had rarely ventured into the US market. But on May 16—just four days after the tariff rollback—it announced its first-ever transpacific service. The new West Coast route, APX, will officially launch on June 18, 2025.
China to US Shipping Route Special Offer
YQN Logistics Best Freight in May
YQN Logistics has introduced a special freight offer for the China to US shipping route, designed to help businesses navigate rising shipping costs. This offer provides competitive rates and tailored solutions for importers and exporters.
YQN Logistics ensures seamless communication for businesses seeking special freight rates for China-US shipping lanes. Customers can reach out via email at info@yqn.com to inquire about available space and real-time rates.
To maximize the benefits of this offer, businesses should consider the following promotional metrics:
FAQ
Why are carriers adding new routes and services?
Carriers are addressing increased demand caused by inventory replenishment and trade recovery. New routes improve efficiency and reduce transit times for businesses.
How can businesses benefit from YQN Logistics' special offer?
YQN Logistics offers competitive rates, reduced surcharges, and flexible contracts. Businesses can save costs and secure reliable shipping solutions by booking early.
Tip: Contact YQN Logistics at info@yqn.com to explore tailored shipping options.
See Also
China to US Container Bookings Rise by Almost 300%
Impact of US Tariff Suspension on Asian Exporters
Shipping Rates from China to US Surpass $7,000
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