Trans-Pacific conditions remained soft overall this week, with carriers dialing back seasonal capacity experiments and signaling additional voids ahead of China’s Golden Week to stem sliding spot levels. Multiple alliances suspended seasonal services and Pacific South loops, pointing to tightening eastbound capacity even as demand underwhelms. While several carriers have in fact implemented additional Sept 15th increases in the 800-1000 level, but it is very early and there are doubts on if this price level will be maintained.
Spot trends were mixed by lane: some West Coast corridors saw a brief early-September uptick, but pricing leveled off later in the week, with the trans-Atlantic essentially flat. Asia–North America trade feels stable-to-easing into late September, with carriers relying on blank sailings to slow the decline.
Highlights
Carriers acted decisively to withdraw capacity this week, suspending seasonal trans-Pacific loops and halting Pacific South services. These moves, coming ahead of Golden Week, reduce weekly sailings and increase gaps between departures, particularly from secondary origin ports.
Additional blank sailings are expected to cluster around late September and early October. While that timing coincides with Golden Week, underlying demand remains muted, so utilization is likely to remain balanced rather than tight. Importers should plan for narrower sailing choices and earlier cut-off pressure on popular weeks.
No major congestion spikes were reported at U.S. or Canadian ports. With volumes easing off summer highs and carriers trimming sailings, yard and berth fluidity remain manageable. Local chassis or appointment shortages may still arise but have not triggered widespread delays.
Highlights
Some Asia–USWC spot lanes saw a short-lived early-September lift, but that momentum faded as the week progressed. It remains to be seen if the Sept 15th price increases (above) will hold.
Overall, conditions were flat-to-slightly lower compared to last week, and trans-Atlantic pricing was essentially unchanged. Carriers are expected to implement GRIs and Peak Season Surcharges around Golden Week, but their effectiveness will depend on how tightly capacity is managed.
Looking at the month-to-date picture, rates have remained relatively steady despite softening volumes—suggesting carriers are prioritizing capacity control over rate competition.
Highlights
Highlights
Heading into late September, the outlook remains one of stable-to-easing pricing combined with incremental capacity tightening via blank sailings. Importers should book earlier for weeks with known voids and consider alternate ports or strings when service suspensions affect their usual routings.
To reduce risk, consider splitting bookings across multiple sailings and using short-term contracts to maintain flexibility should prices soften further post-Golden Week. With congestion low, routing through major gateways remains reliable, but weekly cut-off pressure could increase where capacity is withdrawn.