Chinese exporters are swiftly adjusting to the recent spike in container transportation fees announced by global shipping companies, expecting this trend to persist into the third quarter. 

Leading shipping companies such as CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and Maersk Line have reported substantial rate hikes, with increases reaching up to $2,000 and some routes experiencing over 50 percent rises. Starting May 15, CMA CGM will raise the rate for a 20-foot equivalent unit (TEU) on the Asia to North Europe route to $2,700, and the rate for a 40-foot container (FEU) to $5,000. These adjustments represent increases of $500 and $1,000, respectively, compared to the rates implemented on May 1. 

For these hikes are affecting routes connecting Asia with Europe, North America, and South America, many Chinese exporters are postponing shipments, modifying transportation strategies, or handling orders for the second half of the year in advance to manage rising costs.