Current Situation of China–US Ocean Freight and Its Impact on Vietnam

Recent Developments:

After a sharp increase in May 2025, container freight rates on the China–US route have started to decline significantly, thanks to the recovery of shipping capacity following successful trade negotiations in Geneva. Specifically, freight rates from Qingdao to Los Angeles dropped from around USD 6,000 to approximately USD 3,100 per 40-foot container.

This recovery came after a surge in booking demand triggered by tariff reduction agreements, which forced shipping lines to rapidly adjust their capacity, leading to short-term congestion at major Chinese ports. However, shipping capacity has now gradually stabilized, and the previous shipping frenzy is beginning to ease.

Nevertheless, high US tariffs on Chinese goods remain a major barrier. American importers have become more cautious due to rising costs and weaker consumer demand. According to customs data, two-way trade turnover between China and the US in the first five months of 2025 reached only USD 239 billion, down 8.1% year-over-year. At the Port of Los Angeles – the main entry point for Chinese goods – import volumes in May fell 9%, hitting the lowest level in more than two years. Officials have warned that the sluggish trend may persist until the end of the year if tariff policies remain unchanged.

Illustrative image: Container ship

Impact on the Vietnamese Market:

The increased shipping capacity on the Asia–US route has significantly alleviated the shortage of space and empty containers, creating more favorable conditions for Vietnamese exports to the US. With improved shipping availability, export shipments can now be delivered on schedule, minimizing delays and unexpected logistics costs.

In addition, the cooling of freight rates has helped to ease logistics cost pressures, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Vietnamese products in international markets. As the US continues to be one of Vietnam’s leading trade partners, these positive developments offer greater opportunities for Vietnamese businesses to access and expand their presence in the American market.

(Source: https://phaata.com/…/gia-cuoc-van-tai-trung–my-sut…)