Week 17 finds service shifts across the trans-Pacific continuing to accelerate as U.S. trade policy developments evolve. Ongoing regulatory proposals and shifting sourcing strategies are driving near-term changes in routing, vessel deployment, and capacity allocation.
USTR PORT FEE PROPOSAL: UNCERTAINTY FOR CHINESE-BUILT VESSELS
Following the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) April 17, 2025 Section 301 report, shippers and carriers are closely monitoring the potential enforcement of port access fees targeting Chinese-built and Chinese-operated vessels. The proposal, still under review, could impact vessel scheduling and service cost structures if adopted. No carrier response has been made public, though early-stage contingency planning is underway across several alliance networks.
CARRIERS CUT SAILINGS AS BOOKINGS SLOW
Analysts forecast a 28% drop in Asia–North America West Coast volume for Week 18, and a 42% decline on East Coast lanes by Week 19. These reductions reflect ongoing shipment cancellations, sourcing delays, and uncertainty surrounding tariff enforcement.
Several sailings were withdrawn with little notice, complicating rebooking efforts and tightening planning windows for U.S. importers. Carriers continue to reposition assets and adjust schedules to match near-term demand.
REGIONAL TRENDS: CHINA EXPORTS DECLINE WHILE SOUTH ASIA ROUTES STABILIZE
Outbound volumes from China remain under pressure, with booking declines triggering congestion and delays at origin terminals—often after containers have already been delivered. These disruptions follow earlier service changes, including Ocean Network Express’s PN4 pause and the removal of Wilmington from its EC2 rotation. By contrast, Southeast Asia and South Asia lanes remain comparatively stable. Carriers are reallocating capacity to support stronger utilization and preserve service integrity as sourcing patterns shift.
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