Container shipping rates are spiking again. The spot rate for a 40-foot container from Shanghai to LA hit $6,482 last week, the highest since 2024 and nearly 3x since the Iran War began in February. 10 consecutive weekly increases. The Port of LA still processed 530K+ loaded inbound containers in June (+13% YoY, a record for June) as importers rush goods in ahead of tariff expiration on July 24th. War disruptions + tariff front-running = supply chain stress building fast.

Container shipping rates are skyrocketing again: The spot rate for a 40-foot container from Shanghai to Los Angeles rose to $6,482 last week, the highest since 2024. This marks the 10th consecutive weekly increase. Spot rates for this route have nearly TRIPLED since the Iran War began in February. Still, the Port of Los Angeles processed more than 530,500 loaded inbound containers in June, up +13% YoY, the highest volume in any June on record. The surge has been driven by importers rushing goods into the US ahead of the expiration of temporary tariffs on July 24th and expected new import taxes, while the Iran War continues to disrupt shipping patterns. Supply chain stress is surging again.

HORMUZ SHIPPING SLUMPS AS ENERGY MARKETS TIGHTEN Commercial vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell 19% last week, with daily crossings dropping to 25 from 120 before the conflict. Freight rates declined but remain nearly double pre-conflict levels. Meanwhile, refinery damage has tightened fuel supplies, boosting refining margins and petrochemical profits, while global crude inventories continue to fall.

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