30/09/2026
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🚢 Does Ocean Freight Usually Go Up After China's Golden Week?
A question I often hear from importers:
“Will ocean freight become more expensive after China's National Day holiday?”
I looked back at the market data from the past two years.
And the answer is interesting.
📊 China → North America
2024
🇺🇸 West Coast
Before Golden Week: ~$6,847/FEU
After Golden Week: ~$5,540/FEU
➡️ ↓ 19%
🇺🇸 East Coast
Before: ~$9,131/FEU
After: ~$6,489/FEU
➡️ ↓ 29%
2025
🇺🇸 West Coast
Before: ~$2,247/FEU
After: ~$1,557/FEU
➡️ ↓ 31%
🇺🇸 East Coast
Before: ~$3,397/FEU
After: ~$3,115/FEU
➡️ ↓ 8%
So, based on the last two years:
Golden Week did NOT automatically mean higher ocean freight after the holiday.
In both years, the average market rate in the first few weeks after Golden Week was lower than the pre-holiday period.
But there is an important point:
The holiday itself is not the only factor.
Demand, blank sailings, vessel capacity, port congestion, carrier GRIs and trade policy can completely change the market.
That's why I don't recommend simply waiting for rates to fall.
If you have cargo planned for October or November, it's better to watch the market and compare:
📌 Current rate
📌 Sailing date
📌 Available space
📌 Transit time
📌 Possible surcharges
📌 Final delivery cost
The cheapest rate isn't always the cheapest shipment.
— Leon | China Supply Chain & Logistics
WA: https://wa.me/message/GDBJFCZ2HGR2K1