Shipping costs for a standard 40-foot container from Shanghai to New York have surged to nearly $10,000, leaving US importers frustrated and raising concerns of a potential market bubble. On July 11, the Drewry World Container Index reported a spot rate of $9,387 for this route, more than double the rate from February. Though this is still below the pandemic peak of $16,000, the sharp increase has importers worried. Industry experts largely blame the price spike on Yemen's Houthi rebels, whose missile and drone attacks have forced ships to bypass the Suez Canal. The longer route around Africa requires more ships, leading to shortages, delays, and higher costs for sea transport, which handles about 80% of international trade. US retailers have responded by importing goods earlier, driving up rates during the busy season for back-to-school, Halloween, and Christmas merchandise. "This is a bubble that will eventually pop," said Simon Heaney, senior manager for container research at Drewry. According to Heaney, customers surveyed by the consultancy expect prices to fall in the first half of next year. However, the rapid and steep rate increases have both customers and experts questioning the current market dynamics. Some, like Greg Davidson, CEO of Lalo, a company selling infant high chairs, are bracing for rates to hit $20,000 per container. Davidson noted the lack of transparency in shipping pricing, describing it as a "black box" with no clear explanation for the fluctuations. Concerns are also mounting that if former President Donald Trump wins the upcoming election, he might impose broad tariffs on imports, causing rates to spike further. The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index recently set a new record for the Shanghai to US West Coast route, surpassing $8,100, even though sea cargo volumes remain below early pandemic levels. Drewry's index shows this route's rate at about 60% of its pandemic peak of $12,400 per container. Large carriers like Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have raised profit forecasts due to strong demand and higher rates. However, Deutsche Bank Research analyst Andy Chu cautions that if demand drops, prices could quickly deflate. "If demand is not sustained, then rates could normalize quickly," Chu said. https://github.com/coells/100days/issues/11 https://github.com/serzanx/watchthai/issues/36 https://github.com/serzanx/watchthai/issues/38 https://github.com/serzanx/watchthai/issues/39 https://www.artstation.com/pattaya-heat-movie-thai-sub-1080p/profile https://www.artstation.com/thai-film-pattaya-heat-full-story/profile https://www.artstation.com/mean-girls-movie-thai-sub-1080p/profile https://www.artstation.com/rob-n-roll-movie-thai-sub-1080p/profile https://pastelink.net/y04nxojo https://www.bitsdujour.com/profiles/Q5yQjh