Container Shipping Activity From China Rises in June 2025
Jun 16, 2025
In a positive development for global trade, container shipping activity from China to the United States saw a notable increase in early June 2025, with volumes climbing nearly 9% month-over-month, according to freight tracking data.
This rebound signals renewed momentum in cross-Pacific trade, especially as importers prepare for peak summer demand and back-to-school season stocking. While volumes remain about 25% lower than the same period last year, the uptick is being interpreted as a hopeful sign for both the shipping industry and broader market sentiment.
What's Driving the Increase?
Several factors are contributing to this short-term rise in container activity:
- Temporary Pause on New Tariffs: The U.S. and China are currently in a 90-day trade reprieve, during which no new tariffs will be imposed. This has provided breathing room for importers to accelerate shipments before the potential reintroduction of duties.
- Inventory Replenishment: Many U.S. retailers and building materials distributors-especially in the wood moulding, flooring, and home improvement sectors-are restocking inventory after a cautious Q1.
- Anticipation of Price Increases: With freight rates rising and potential tariffs looming, buyers are placing orders earlier to lock in current pricing and avoid last-minute cost hikes.
Freight Rates Also On the Rise
While shipping activity is improving, freight costs have surged. Spot rates for 40-foot containers from major Chinese ports (e.g., Shanghai, Ningbo) to U.S. West Coast ports have climbed from approximately $3,500 to over $6,500, with forecasts expecting them to break $7,000 in coming weeks.For many importers, especially those in the construction material trade like wood mouldings and MDF trims, this creates pressure to optimize container loads, combine orders, and negotiate long-term freight agreements to stabilize costs.
What It Means for the Wood Moulding Industry
For manufacturers and suppliers of primed pine and MDF mouldings, this trend presents both challenges and opportunities:
- Increased Demand for Fast Production: Clients may request shorter lead times to ensure their goods are shipped before further cost increases or policy changes.
- Container Optimization Becomes Critical: Offering flexible MOQs and allowing clients to mix SKUs in one container (e.g., baseboards, quarter rounds, door frames) adds value and helps them manage freight budgets.
- Supply Chain Communication is Key: Clear timelines and proactive shipping updates help build trust, especially in volatile logistics environments.
The rise in container activity from China signals a cautiously optimistic shift in global trade momentum. For businesses in the building material sector-especially those importing white primed mouldings, trims, and wood products-it's time to stay agile, monitor freight trends closely, and strengthen supplier relationships.
