US‑China Port Fees Could Lift SCFI, Raising Shipping Costs and Consumer Price Pressures

New U.S. and China port fees have cut available cargo ships, raising shipping costs and potentially pushing consumer prices higher in both countries within weeks of the policy change.

• Shipping companies are retracting China‑linked vessels from U.S. routes to avoid the new charges that began on October 14.
• U.S.–flagged ships are similarly pulling off Chinese itineraries, creating delays and lowering port throughput.
• Official data shows the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index climbed 12.9% after the fee announcement, signalling a sharp rise in trans‑Pacific fares.

What is the impact of the new U.S.-China port fees on cargo shipping？

The freshly imposed port levies in the U.S. and China have led shipping firms to remove vessels connected to the opposing nation from their trade lanes. As a result, ports are experiencing congestion, slower turnaround times, and a noticeable dip in cargo volumes, which analysts predict will translate into higher freight charges for businesses and consumers alike.

How do new port charges affect trans‑pacific freight costs？

Economic reports indicate that the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index rose to a four‑week high, spiking 12.9% after the fee changes. Analysts from Jefferies point out that the sharp increase in trans‑Pacific rates—exacerbated by the need to bypass U.S. port fees—has pushed Pacific freight costs to their highest levels in recent memory. Expert commentary from the shipping sector underscores that these changes are spreading across all vessel types, from dry bulk to high‑value container carriers, and that the rise in port costs is already influencing carrier pricing models.

Key Takeaways

• Immediate Route Adjustments: Major operators like Maersk, Hapag‑Lloyd, and CMA CGM are redirecting ships to avoid new charges, causing delays at key trans‑Pacific nodes.
• Financial Ripple Effect: The 12.9% jump in the SCFI reflects a broader cost increase that will likely trickle down to importers and retail prices.
• Strategic Planning Needed: Shipping companies are advised to revisit fleet deployment strategies and explore alternative logistics corridors to mitigate fee exposure.

Conclusion

COINOTAGs reporting, published on March 25, 2025, shows that the unilateral port fee imposition by the U.S. and China is forcing the global shipping community to rethink routing strategies and cost structures. With official data revealing sharp freight index rises and industry experts forecasting continued pressure on rates, stakeholders must urgently adapt to preserve supply‑chain resilience and prevent price inflation in downstream markets. The evolving landscape promises further tightening of maritime logistics; staying informed and agile will shape outcomes for months to come.