A wave of severe port congestion is disrupting global trade, stretching from major hubs in Northern Europe to key gateways in China and the U.S. In Europe, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Bremerhaven are experiencing significant delays—Bremerhaven’s berth wait times surged 77% from late March to mid-May. Inland congestion is worsened by labor shortages and low Rhine River water levels.

Congestion is also rising in Shenzhen, Los Angeles, and New York. As ocean carriers adjust schedules and impose surcharges, supply chains face mounting inventory and cost pressures.

Trade tensions are compounding the chaos. The recent U.S.-China tariff truce has yet to ease pressure, and threats of a 50% U.S. tariff on EU goods may further destabilize transatlantic trade. Meanwhile, rerouting away from the Red Sea due to Houthi attacks is pushing freight costs higher.

Carriers like MSC have announced general rate increases and peak season surcharges starting June. Experts warn that it may take six to eight more weeks to stabilize operations, with freight rates likely to remain elevated amid ongoing uncertainty.