Freight Pulse: Rates Ease, Hormuz Surcharges Bite, and Section 301 Duties Hit 60 Economies

As we enter late July, the global supply chain is navigating a complex landscape of cooling spot rates, escalating geopolitical surcharges, and a significant wave of regulatory shifts. While peak-season demand has softened, compliance hurdles are reaching a fever pitch.

Market Momentum and Capacity Management

Container spot rates are currently easing across major East-West trades as the initial peak-season rush stabilizes. Carriers are aggressively managing capacity through strategic blank sailings and strict allocation to prevent a sharp market correction. While vessel deliveries continue to bolster global capacity, air cargo rates are also cooling, though rising fuel costs remain a persistent headwind for supply chain management companies.

Geopolitical Pressures: Hormuz Surcharges

In the Strait of Hormuz, rising tensions have forced carriers to reinstate emergency fuel and security surcharges. Effective July 23, Maersk implemented a $1,000 per container surcharge for these routes. CMA CGM is following suit on August 1 with emergency fuel surcharges ranging from $65 to $165 per TEU. MSC and ONE are also adjusting their fee structures, making real-time visibility essential for cost control.

Regulatory Cliff: Section 301 and Compliance

July has brought a flurry of legal changes. On July 24, Section 301 forced labor import duties (10-12.5%) took effect for 60 economies. Additionally, the US de minimis threshold for China/HK dropped to $200 on July 1, and CPSC electronic filing became mandatory on July 8.

International shippers must also adapt to China’s revised Maritime Code and the full enforcement of EU ICS2 Phase 3. In the Mid-Atlantic, compliance with the UK’s Port State Control Regulations 2026 is now a requirement for transatlantic lanes.

The Lanta Advantage

Navigating these shifts requires more than just third party logistics providers; it requires a partner with enterprise-level standards. Whether you need a food-grade warehouse or a Hazmat certified 3PL, Lanta Logistics provides the structured performance and distribution and warehousing services necessary to scale safely in a volatile market.