News / Transpacific spot rate slump continues amid global trade uncertainty

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Today’s Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) saw spot rates tumble again on the transpacific, as softening demand reflected the impact of US tariffs on Chinese imports.

Rates from Asia to US west coast ports, as recorded by the SCFI, slumped a further 9% this week to $1,229 per 40ft, as shippers rowed back on front-loading to beat new import tariffs on 15 December.

However, for the more robust lane to the US east coast ports, the drop in container spot rates was ...