Freight Pulse & Law: Rates Diverge, De Minimis Shakes Up Imports

Ocean freight is splitting by trade lane while U.S. customs policy raises the cost of informal importing. Shippers must budget for firmer transpacific capacity and stronger importer-of-record controls.

Asia–Europe Softens as U.S. Rates Firm

According to Freightos’ August 11 update, Asia–North Europe spot rates fell 8% week over week to approximately $5,000 per FEU. Asia–Mediterranean rates declined 7% to about $6,000 per FEU.

The transpacific market is moving differently. Asia–U.S. East Coast rates climbed to roughly $9,400 per FEU, while West Coast pricing reached approximately $7,400 per FEU. Freightos attributes the divergence to an extended U.S. peak season, continued import demand, blank sailings, and capacity pressure.

De Minimis Suspension Changes the Entry Playbook

CBP’s interim final rule, effective June 24, indefinitely suspends the $800 de minimis exemption for non-postal imports. Shipments that previously entered duty-free must now use formal or informal entry procedures and remain subject to applicable duties, taxes, and fees. The comment deadline was July 24.

The rule also increases the importance of accurate classification, valuation, origin data, customs bonding, and importer-of-record accountability. Review KPMG’s summary for the parallel postal changes.

IOR Requirements Are Moving Toward Financial Transparency

The Strengthening Customs Enforcement order directs CBP to establish a good-standing standard and require stronger bond and/or tangible domestic-asset support for formal and informal entries. Importers should prepare ownership, beneficial-ownership, affiliate, anticipated-volume, and domestic-asset records. Exact thresholds remain subject to implementing rules.

Bottom Line for Shippers

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