Weekly International Logistics Report (May 11–15, 2026)

Executive Summary

This weekly international logistics report summarizes the latest global logistics dynamics. Driven by strong Chinese exports and lingering geopolitical risks in the Red Sea and Hormuz region, container spot rates have risen sharply. An unprecedented zero-transit day at the Strait of Hormuz has lifted freight surcharges and constrained Asia-Europe capacity. The U.S. has rolled back low-value parcel duty exemptions and tightened customs scrutiny, while China has introduced a new air cargo transit solution to accelerate cargo movement. Top carriers are expanding and upgrading European and African services. Shipping costs, delivery delays and customs risks remain at a high level for international merchants.

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Briefing News

Container Spot Rates Surge; SCFI Jumps 186 Points WoW

• Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI): 2,140.66 (+186.45, +9.5% WoW), second consecutive weekly gain.
• Key routes (May 8):
  • Europe: $1,596/TEU (+4.93%)
  • Mediterranean: $2,463/TEU (+1.34%)
  • US West Coast: $2,826/FEU (+3.82%)
  • US East Coast: $3,812/FEU (+3.28%)
• CCFI (long-term contracts): +0.1% only, showing strong spot market, stable contract rates.
• Drivers: resilient China exports, Red Sea/Hormuz disruptions, and pre‑peak season bookings.

Geopolitical Risk: Strait of Hormuz “Zero Traffic” (May 8); Maersk Suspends Direct Calls

• May 8: first-ever “zero transit day” in the Strait of Hormuz; daily vessels dropped from ~130 to fewer than 10.
• 41 merchant ship incidents in the past two months; Maersk paused all direct sailings via Hormuz.
• Combined with Suez restrictions, Asia–Europe effective capacity below 10%; logistics costs now 50–60% of total cost.

US Trade & Customs: T86 Exemption Ends; USWC Inspection Rate Above 45%

• From May 2, U.S. T86 tax exemption for small parcels (≤$800) ended. All parcels face 30% duty or $25 per unit, making low-cost direct mail unprofitable.
• LA/Long Beach customs inspection rate >45% with AI checks on under-declaration.
• Matson space is fully booked until after May 20 as sellers rush to restock for Amazon Prime Day.

Air Cargo: Chengdu Shuangliu Launches “Airside Direct Transit” (6 Hours)

• May 15: Chengdu Airport started international-to-international airside direct transit.
• Transit time reduced from 1+ days to within 6 hours; cost cut by about RMB 800 per shipment.
• This improves efficiency for China’s western air hub and global air cargo connections.

New Services & Alliances: Africa & Europe Routes Expanded

• PIL: Ubuntu Express (UBX) Asia–South Africa service starts May 28 from Shanghai, calling at Shanghai, Ningbo, Kaohsiung, Shekou, Singapore, Durban, Cape Town.
• Evergreen + PIL: new Far East–South Africa (SAF) service to launch in late June.
• MSC upgraded Asia–Europe routes; CMA CGM resumed two Suez Canal services.

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Advice for International Traders

• Lock in shipping capacity early to avoid price spikes and delays during peak season.
• Declare goods accurately to reduce U.S. customs inspections, fines, and cargo holdups.
• Avoid relying on low-cost direct mail to the U.S.; switch to formal customs clearance or overseas warehouses.
• Use air cargo and new transit hubs (e.g., Chengdu) for urgent orders to improve speed and stability.
• Monitor Red Sea and Hormuz risks and prepare alternative routes and extra lead time.