Tariff deadlines, peak season demand and geopolitical uncertainty are affecting capacity, costs and transit reliability across several key trade lanes. Here is what customers should consider now.
LEMAN Market Updates provide a concise overview of developments that may affect freight costs, transit times and logistics planning.
Published 15 July 2026. Market information is based on conditions in week 28.
Strait of Hormuz: Continued uncertainty for regional supply chains
The situation around the Strait of Hormuz remains unstable. Repeated announcements of reopening have been followed by renewed closure threats, while geopolitical tensions continue to create uncertainty for shipping lines and global supply chains.
Carriers remain cautious and are unlikely to make long-term operational changes until there is sustained stability. Customers with exposure to the region should be prepared for possible short-notice impacts on transit reliability, routing decisions and supply chain planning.
US imports: Tariff deadline may affect landed costs
Temporary US Section 122 tariffs are currently scheduled to expire on 24 July 2026. These measures allow tariffs of up to 15% on imports for up to 150 days.
At the same time, ongoing Section 301 investigations may lead to more targeted, long-term tariffs for specific countries, products and industries.
Importers into the US should review their potential exposure, as changes to duty rates may affect landed costs and require adjustments to sourcing, pricing and procurement strategies.
Asia to US: Firm rates and tight capacity
Trans-Pacific eastbound rates remain firm as carriers implement 1 July General Rate Increases.
Tight capacity, tariff-driven front-loading and limited space continue to support elevated rate levels. Customers should plan bookings early and stay close to their LEMAN contact to secure space during the current peak season pressure.
Europe to US: Stable, with rates influenced by bunker costs
The Europe-to-US market remains relatively stable.
Higher bunker costs and moderate vessel utilisation continue to influence rate levels, while softer demand is helping to keep the market balanced.
The market is not facing the same pressure as Asia to US, but customers should continue to monitor rates, capacity and carrier behaviour closely.
Asia to North Europe: Peak season keeps rates elevated
The Asia-to-North Europe market remains firm, with peak season demand supporting elevated freight rates.
Equipment shortages continue at key hubs in China, Singapore and Malaysia. Rate levels are also being affected by early peak season demand, US-bound front-loading ahead of the July tariff deadline, July General Rate Increases and Peak Season Surcharges, and continued Red Sea rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope.
The market is expected to remain firm in the short term, although front-loading pressure may begin to ease towards late July or August.
Customers should review spot commitments carefully. Cargo that needs to move now should still be booked well in advance.
European ports and inland transport: Disruption risks remain
North European ports are currently manageable overall, but operational pressure can change quickly when volumes increase or carriers adjust port calls.
Gdańsk appears relatively stable, while Hamburg is also showing low congestion in current data. However, recent disruption around Antwerp and unrest around Rotterdam demonstrate how quickly port-related delays can become a delivery timing risk.
Customers should allow for possible schedule changes, particularly if carriers redirect calls to other European ports.
Inland transport also requires attention. Heat-related railway restrictions, equipment faults and slower train movements are already affecting parts of Poland and Europe.
This may create congestion in inland corridors and delay container flows between ports, terminals and final delivery points.
What customers should consider now
Customers should:
- Book Asia exports four to five weeks ahead where possible
- Expect an increased risk of rollovers at major Asian ports
- Review exposure to potential US tariff changes
- Monitor General Rate Increases and Peak Season Surcharges closely
- Allow additional flexibility where port or inland disruption may affect delivery timing
Customers exporting from Asia should expect a higher risk of rollovers due to peak season demand, carrier overbooking, blank sailings, weather-related congestion and vessel bunching. The most affected ports currently include Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Singapore and Busan.
For US inland destinations, we recommend avoiding single 20-foot containers via Canadian rail where possible. Rail operators continue to experience shortages of matching 20-foot container pairs, which may lead to delays in railcar availability and longer transit times.
The market remains manageable, but not predictable. Staying close to your LEMAN contact will help you review routing options, booking windows, surcharge exposure and potential delivery risks in time.
Need advice on a specific shipment or trade lane?
Contact your local LEMAN team to discuss routing options, capacity, rates and potential delivery risks.
This Market Update is based on information available at the time of publication and is intended as general market guidance only. Conditions may change at short notice. Customers should contact their local LEMAN representative for advice related to specific shipments, routes, rates and requirements.