Weekly Freight Report: October 2, 2026
The tariffs covering 99.4% of US imports spent Wednesday in front of a skeptical trade court, and the IEEPA refunds showed why your entry records matter. Meanwhile typhoons have tied up 8.5% of the global container fleet, the pause on China ship fees ends November 9, and air space on Asia-North America lanes is tightening. Here is what you need to know.
Trade Court Questions the Section 301 Tariffs Covering 99.4% of US Imports
On September 30, a three-judge Court of International Trade panel heard the challenge to the 10% and 12.5% Section 301 forced-labor tariffs that cover 99.4% of US imports. The judges questioned whether USTR followed the statutory process and whether forced labor was the real rationale. No ruling timeline, and nothing changes at the border yet. Keep clean entry records for anything paying these duties, in case a ruling opens a refund question the way the IEEPA decision did.
Asian Port Delays Tie Up 8.5% of the Global Container Fleet
A continuing stream of typhoons at major Asian ports has left about 3 million TEU, or 8.5% of the global container fleet, unavailable, according to Sea-Intelligence. Average vessel delays reached 6.8 days, a level exceeded only during Covid, and recovery could take 7 to 10 months. That means the disruption is unlikely to clear before Chinese New Year on February 6, 2027. Space is tight, so build buffer into your Q4 and pre-Chinese New Year bookings now.
The Pause on Section 301 Fees for China-Built Ships Ends November 9
The suspension of Section 301 fees on China-built and China-linked ships expires November 9, 2026. The fees range from $18 per net ton to $120 per container and have been paused since November 10, 2025. Retail and agriculture groups asked USTR Jamieson Greer on September 23 for an extension, but the fee pause has its own date, separate from the broader US-China truce. Ask your carriers now how they would pass these fees through if they resume.
Panama Canal Rolls Back Restrictions as Water Conditions Improve
The Panama Canal Authority raised the maximum Neopanamax draft to 49.0 feet on September 29 and will add a tenth daily Neopanamax slot on October 15, bringing total daily capacity to 33 slots. Per-customer booking limits are gone and consecutive-date bookings are allowed again, reversing cuts made in early September to prepare for El Niño. For East Coast routings that means more room and deeper loading, but ships without reservations may still face indefinite delays.
New US-China Board of Trade Sets a Framework for Tariff Cuts
The new US-China Board of Trade recommended reduced tariffs on about $30 billion of imports for each country, roughly $60 billion total. Chinese goods under consideration include household goods, toys and products the US generally does not import from elsewhere. No percentages or dates have been set, and each side will implement through its own legal process. If you import household goods or toys from China, watch for the product list, but do not plan on cuts yet.
Air Cargo Demand Up 4.4% in August While Capacity Slips
Global air cargo demand rose 4.4% year on year in August while capacity slipped 0.1%, according to IATA. North American carriers saw demand up 6.6% with capacity down 2.5%, and the Asia-North America lane grew 13.2%. Jet fuel is 79.2% above August 2025, and airlines are covering it with higher load factors. If ocean delays push your cargo to air in Q4, book early, because space on Asia-North America is tightening.
Oil Hovers Near $100 as the US Makes Its Expected Final Emergency Reserve Release
Brent rose 1.9% to $99.88 a barrel as the war with Iran enters its seventh month and Strait of Hormuz flows remain short of full. The US is offering up to 40 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, with bids due October 6, in what is expected to be its last drawdown. Energy Secretary Wright said diesel is above $6 a gallon. Fuel surcharges stay elevated, so budget for them through Q4.
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