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The Freight Right TrueFreight Index (TFX) tracks global container shipping rates in real-time, ensuring accuracy through rigorous data validation and volume-weighted calculations. It aggregates pricing from logistics providers, filtering anomalies. Automated processes enhance objectivity, while ongoing reviews and audits ensure reliability, aligning with market trends and industry demands.
The U.S. and China hammered out a draft deal in London to pause their tariff slugfest. If it sticks, American tariffs on Chinese imports hold at 55%, Chinaās stay at 10%, and some rare earth export restrictions get scrapped. Leaders still have to sign off, so donāt pop the champagne yet.
At the G7 in Alberta, Trump and UK PM Starmer dropped a surprise: a fresh U.S.āUK trade pact. It cuts car import tariffs and scraps aerospace duties, while giving U.S. beef and ethanol a bigger British market. Steel tariffs? Still in limbo.
Over in Brussels, the EU floated a flat 10% tariff on exports to the U.S. to calm things down, hoping to dodge more trade drama.
Meanwhile, U.S. importers are sweating ātariff stackingā, the issue of overlapping China, fentanyl, and Section 232 duties that push effective rates up to 170% for some goods.
Canada wants its own deal done within a month to protect autos and farms.
Back in D.C., Congress is pushing back: a new bill would force lawmakers to approve any tariff lasting over 60 days.
TFX is tracking CEA to USWC ~6,500 USD and CEA to USEC ~3,900 USD. These rates are expected to drop even further as the week goes on.
Supply Exceeding Demand: Ocean freight rates have dropped sharply for the US West Coast, returning to mid-May levels due to an oversupply of vessels re-entering service; however, booking volumes have not rebounded alongside the rate decrease.
Importers Adjusting to Tariffs: Importers are responding to the 30% tariff by reducing the urgency to ship quickly and possibly waiting for rates to fall further, signaling a shift toward a "new normal" in booking behavior.
The market is stabilizing at a lower baseline than before recent disruptions, raising concerns that demand may remain weak during the traditional peak season and mirror the sluggish post-Chinese New Year trends. Additionally, ongoing global disruptions continue to prevent a return to true normalcy in ocean freight, with repeated cycles of cautious optimism and underwhelming rebounds presenting challenges for the rest of the year.
The White House: Implementing The General Terms Of The United States Of America-United Kingdom Economic Prosperity: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/06/implementing-the-general-terms-of-the-united-states-of-america-united-kingdom-economic-prosperity-deal/
CNBC: U.S. Steel shares rally as Trump approves Nippon takeover with unique government āgolden shareā: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/16/us-steel-rallies-as-trump-approves-nippon-takeover.html
WSJ: The Fog of Trade War Is Causing Confusion About Price Increases: https://www.wsj.com/economy/consumers/why-did-that-price-go-up-welcome-to-the-fog-of-trade-war-ae605e9c?mod=djemlogistics_h
Reuters: Tariff 'stacking' adds another headache for US importers: https://www.reuters.com/business/tariff-stacking-adds-another-headache-us-importers-2025-06-16/
The Freight Right TrueFreight Index (TFX) is a benchmark designed to accurately reflect global container shipping rates by capturing real-time market fluctuations across carriers' spot, FAK, vessel and ratio rate data. Built on a foundation of transparency and data integrity, the index aggregates pricing information from multiple logistics providers, including freight forwarders and industry stakeholders.
To maintain accuracy, the index applies rigorous data validation techniques, filtering out anomalies and inconsistencies. It primarily relies on median spot rates for standard container shipments across key trade lanes. In cases of limited data availability, a structured methodology ensures completeness and reliability.
The index calculation follows a volume-weighted approach, where major trade routes with higher shipping activity exert greater influence on the final benchmark value. Automated processes eliminate bias, ensuring objectivity and consistency in rate determination.
Freight Right continuously enhances the index through regular reviews, quality control audits, and backtesting, ensuring it remains a reliable market indicator that aligns with industry trends and market demands.
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