While container trade between the South Pacific and USEC was flat prior to 2021, it has shown growth since then, albeit from a small base.
The fee — generally in the range of $200 per TEU and $450 per FEU — was introduced by the carrier in January 2024 following the industry-wide rerouting of vessels via the Cape of Good Hope in southern Africa.
The strength of holiday retail sales in the final month of 2025 and inventory levels approaching the Lunar New Year factory shutdowns in February will be the major factors determining the extent of pricing power in trans-Pacific contract talks.
