Published: January 13, 2025 

The looming crisis of port strikes along the US East Coast and Gulf Coast has been successfully averted. This breakthrough follows a six-year agreement between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the US Maritime Alliance (USMX), preventing the potential closure of ports from Maine to Texas.

Ocean freight rates, which had surged 26% on the Far East to US East Coast trade lanes since mid-December, are now expected to stabilize. Carriers had prepared to impose disruption surcharges of up to $3,000 per FEU, intensifying challenges for shippers.

While this agreement offers temporary relief, industry experts caution that supply chain risks persist, influenced by geopolitical tensions and a softening global market in 2025.

This development highlights the importance of agile risk management for shippers navigating the volatile logistics landscape.

Source: Xeneta, January 9, 2025