A potential strike at US East Coast ports, set to begin on October 1, is expected to cause a significant surge in shipping rates, with estimates suggesting a rise of over 50%.

The strike stems from stalled labor negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and port operators, as their current six-year contract expires on September 30.

In response, several Asian shipping companies have filed with the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to raise the general rate increase (GRI) starting October 1 and again on October 15. Rates could increase by as much as US$4,000 per forty-foot container, with the impact most strongly felt on the Asia-to-US routes.