As the risk of strikes at ports along the eastern United States and the Gulf Coast of Mexico escalates, several container shipping giants such as MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag Lloyd, and HMM have announced the addition of interruption surcharges and destination port surcharges to cope with potential cost increases. MSC took the lead in charging emergency operation fees for the port cargo involved since October, and other companies followed suit, adjusting the fees to prevent the risk of strike.

This move is seen as a warning from the shipping industry about the potential freight fluctuations caused by strikes. According to expert analysis, port blockades have a profound impact on the supply chain and may last for several weeks, seriously disrupting shipping peaks, especially posing a threat to shipping before the Asian Lunar New Year. Shipping companies have learned to flexibly adjust their pricing strategies when capacity is tight, no longer limited to the cost plus model.

Supply chain analysis shows that the automotive and agricultural industries are particularly sensitive to strikes, and may face supply chain disruptions, production slowdowns, and inventory shortages, affecting holiday shopping seasons and global food prices. The dynamic adjustment of the shipping market is closely linked to multiple sectors of the global economy, bringing both challenges and opportunities.