Transpacific East–West Rate Gap Widens to ~$3,400 as US EC Nears Covid Peak

Summary

Xeneta's September 4 reading put Far East–US East Coast spot rates at $10,910 per FEU versus $7,496 to the US West Coast, a gap of roughly $3,400 per container. The East Coast lane has climbed 305% since late February and now sits just 14% below the January 2022 Covid peak, while the West Coast is up 289%. With Golden Week approaching in early October, further upward pressure is expected on the eastbound transpacific despite softening Europe-bound demand.