In 2026 Asia–US spot rates more than doubled within weeks during an early peak, while tariff rules changed by court ruling and new measures. A DDP price built on one fixed number is a bet. Here is a structured alternative.
Step 1 — Base landed cost
Product cost + freight + duties + fees + delivery at today's confirmed rates. See what a DDP price includes.
Step 2 — Identify the volatile lines
| Line | Volatility | Typical approach |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean freight | High | Short validity (e.g. 2–4 weeks) or index-linked |
| Duties | High in 2025–2026 | Tariff clause or scenario buffer |
| Destination charges | Medium | Small buffer |
| Product cost | Low–medium | Normal margin |
Step 3 — Scenario buffer
Calculate landed cost under a "high" scenario (e.g. peak-season freight, next announced duty level). Price between base and high, or quote base with an explicit adjustment clause.
Step 4 — Set review triggers
- Freight index moves more than an agreed percentage.
- New tariff announcement affecting your HTS codes.
- Quote older than its validity period.
Related: reading freight indexes · DDP contract clauses.