CUSTOMS data show China’s goods exports in dollar terms rose 19.4% YoY in May,
the fastest pace in three months. At a Ningbo freight forwarder, staff are
repeatedly refreshing carriers’ booking systems; US routes account for about 70%
of the firm’s volume. Firms report China-US sailings have been fully booked
since May, with space tight across East and South China and intense competition
for slots and empty containers. Freight rates for a 40ft box from Ningbo have
jumped from roughly $2,900 to the US West and $3,900 to the US East at end‑April
to about $6,300 and $7,500 respectively after several rounds of increases.
