China-US ocean freight rates remain steady amid tightening capacity

Ocean freight rates from China to the United States have remained stable through mid-October 2026, despite tightening space following China’s National Day holiday. Carriers are extending pricing from the first half of the month, though securing bookings has become more difficult due to reduced capacity and vessel removals.

On the West Coast, standard market rates for shipments from China to the U.S. West Coast are approximately $8,000 per FEU, with volume discounts available between $6,900 and $7,000. Rates for the U.S. East Coast are holding above $9,000 per FEU, with blended rates for high-volume bookings near $8,450. Spot rates have been observed as low as $6,400 for the West Coast and $8,129 for the East Coast.

In related trade developments, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has launched Phase 3 of its automated CAPE portal to process back-duty refunds. Meanwhile, industry leaders in Detroit are campaigning against a proposed 50% automotive tariff hike scheduled for early 2027.