Ocean rates held the line into 2026 contract season — here's the read
Transpacific spot rates stayed firm through the December 2025 slowdown as carriers defended pricing ahead of Chinese New Year and contract talks. What to lock, what to float.
- What: Transpacific spot rates held firm through the holiday slowdown
- When: Late Dec 2025: China–US West Coast ~$1,700/FEU, East Coast ~$2,600–$3,000
- Who's hit: Importers negotiating 2026 ocean contracts
- Impact: Carriers defending price into contract season and Chinese New Year
Transpacific ocean rates closed 2025 firmer than the calendar suggested. Through the December holiday slowdown, carriers held pricing — China to the U.S. West Coast sat near $1,700 per 40-foot container, the East Coast around $2,600–$3,000 — defending rates ahead of Chinese New Year and the 2026 contract-negotiation season rather than letting them slide.
That timing is the whole point. Carriers file increases and hold the line in December precisely because annual contract talks anchor to the spot market both sides are staring at. Sign your contract off a defended December number and you can overpay for twelve months.
The read for importers: don’t treat the year-end quote as the true floor. Split volume between contract and spot, pull forward what you can before Chinese New Year factories close, and keep enough U.S. inventory that you’re negotiating from patience, not panic.
Informational only — not legal or customs advice. Verify against the primary source before acting.
