Where rates stand
According to Freightos data reported by Supply Chain Dive, Asia–US West Coast spot rates were about USD 8,322/FEU and East Coast about USD 9,606/FEU on 6 October 2026 — far above the roughly USD 2,200 West Coast level reported in February.
What pushed rates up in 2026
- Early peak and frontloading: importers pulled cargo forward ahead of tariff deadlines, starting peak season early (Supply Chain Dive).
- Fuel: higher bunker costs linked to disruption of oil transport around the Strait of Hormuz.
- Capacity management: carriers blanked sailings, including around China's Golden Week, and weather-related congestion at Far East ports kept the rate floor elevated.
What could push them down
Early in 2026 analysts expected a year of overcapacity, with new ships delivered and a return of services to the Red Sea. If demand cools after peak season, those forces can reassert themselves — as FreightWaves has described in previous rate declines.
Vietnam's position
Vietnam's waterborne exports to the US kept growing as sourcing diversified from China, which supports demand for space out of Cai Mep and Hai Phong.
What to do now
- Book Q4 and pre-Tết cargo early — see securing space.
- Keep quote validity short — see pricing DDP.
- Watch the indexes weekly — how to read them.
Sources: Supply Chain Dive (Freightos data), FreightWaves, JOC reporting, 2026.