Daily Industry Briefing
All three stories today will hit your wallet and your delivery times: China-to-US-East-Coast rates have hit a post-pandemic high as carriers pull ships away to chase bigger profits, which could squeeze capacity heading to Malaysia too. Maersk has already started suspending sailings ahead of the National Day holiday, leaving you only a few days' booking window. And Port of Tanjung Pelepas has tightened inspections on some China export cargo — even ordinary e-commerce shipments could get pulled aside and delayed.
Today's Top 3
1. China-to-US-East-Coast Rates Rise for Seven Straight Weeks, Break USD10,000 — a Post-Pandemic High
Drewry's World Container Index shows the Shanghai-New York route rose 7% this week to USD10,394 per 40-foot container, breaking the USD10,000 mark for the first time since the tail end of the 2022 pandemic period.
The Loadstar · 2026-09-18 · Read Original ↗
2. Maersk Suspends Sailings Early Ahead of National Day Golden Week, Narrowing China Shipping Window
Maersk announced its transpacific extra-loader service TPX will depart Cai Mep port in Vietnam on 29 September for its final sailing of the year (the Maersk Boston), then pause operations for the entire fourth quarter.
The Loadstar · 2026-09-17 · Read Original ↗
3. Tighter Inspections at Port of Tanjung Pelepas, Container of China-Made E-Bike Parts Seized
On 19 August, Malaysia's Border Control and Protection Agency seized 3 containers at Port of Tanjung Pelepas in Johor, containing electric bicycle parts made by Chinese manufacturers, with the destination listed as Ashdod Port in Israel. The case remains under investigation.
South China Morning Post · 2026-09-17 · Read Original ↗
HASTE Take
Rates, Suspensions, and Inspections Are Squeezing You From Three Sides — Your China Cargo to Malaysia May Get Pricier and Slower
US East Coast rates jumped to USD10,394 per 40-foot container in the past two days, up 7% in a week — the first time it's broken USD10,000 since the tail end of the 2022 pandemic. What does this have to do with your cargo going to Malaysia? When carriers realise they can make more money sailing to the US East Coast, they pull ships away from Southeast Asia routes, leaving fewer ships running. Fewer ships means tighter capacity to Port Klang and Penang, fewer containers your forwarder can get hold of, and naturally higher quotes. If you've got cargo to ship in the coming weeks, check with your forwarder now whether there's space this week — don't leave booking to the last minute.
This is a condensed version. The full briefing, with every key point, the cost comparison table and the recommended actions, is published on the Haste website:
The above information is compiled from public reports. Market data is subject to change at any time. Please refer to the latest official announcements and carrier notices for actual rates and customs regulations.
