US Logistics Update [May 30, 2026]-English

U.S. media reported that the United States and Iran reached an agreement on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to end the war on the 26th, with only President Trump’s final approval remaining; however, as of today, the 30th—four days later—there has been no news of approval, and tensions and anxiety surrounding the Strait of Hormuz are escalating. The draft MOU for ending the war is reported to include provisions such as the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a 60-day extension of the ceasefire, and the negotiation of an agreement on Iran’s denuclearization during the extended ceasefire period. However, it is understood that the two sides are in sharp conflict over the key issues of the nuclear problem and the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. While the United States maintains that the Strait of Hormuz, a natural waterway, should be freely accessible to all as it was before the war, Iran—which has effectively blockaded the strait since the war and thereby secured unprecedented leverage—has repeatedly stated its intention to collect tolls from ships, demonstrating a strong determination to maintain control. Due to Iran’s strong resistance, three main options are currently being discussed for President Trump: reluctantly accepting the negotiation proposal currently under discussion; waging a “war of attrition” against Iran by restricting its oil exports; or resuming hostilities to pressure Iran into “surrender” by destroying civilian infrastructure such as power plants and bridges, as well as Iranian oil export infrastructure around the Strait of Hormuz.

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced on the 28th that the April PCE price index rose 3.8% year-over-year. This marks the largest increase in 2 years and 11 months, since May 2023 (4.0%). The core PCE price index, excluding energy and food, also rose 3.3% year-over-year, reaching its highest level since October 2023. The PCE price index growth rate had slowed to 2.3% in April of last year, but it continued to rise due to the impact of tariffs and other factors, reaching 2.8% in February. After surging to 3.5% in March following the outbreak of the Iran conflict, the upward trend continued into April (3.8%). In particular, the Producer Price Index (PPI), which serves as a leading indicator of consumer prices, rose by 6.0% year-over-year in April, signaling the potential for inflation to accelerate further. The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index is a measure of prices for goods and services consumed by households. The Federal Reserve (FRB) uses this as a benchmark to assess whether it has achieved its monetary policy goal of a “2% inflation rate.” The market currently expects that the Fed, under its new Chair Kevin Warsh, will not cut interest rates due to inflation concerns stemming from the war with Iran—contrary to President Trump’s hopes—and will instead keep rates on hold or even raise them within the year. However, this outlook is based on the possibility that President Trump will end the war at an opportune time ahead of the midterm elections. Many experts worry that if the war with Iran drags on or if President Trump is forced to accept a deal that is less than ideal, it will deal a major blow to the global economy.

North American Vessel Dwell Times 

Container Imports to the U.S. Decline for 12th Consecutive Month… Sharpest Declines in Raw Materials and Capital Goods

S&P Global Market Intelligence reported that U.S. import volume in April totaled approximately 2.635 million TEU, a 5.2% year-over-year decline, marking the 12th consecutive month of decline in container imports to the U.S. By product category, most major items declined—including metals (-12.9%), capital goods (-28.9%), durable consumer goods (-6.5%), and auto parts (-16.4%)—but the consumer goods sector maintained an upward trend due to “front-loading” ahead of potential tariff hikes (Sections 122 and 301). By region, imports from the Middle East fell by 28.5% as supply disruptions for metal and petrochemical-based packaging materials worsened due to the Iran conflict, while imports from the ASEAN region increased. S&P forecasts that shipment volumes arriving between August and October will rise as the peak season for consumer goods, which begins in earnest in June, approaches. The industry expects that “import demand may re-enter an expansion phase in the medium term” as large-scale investment projects—such as data centers, power infrastructure, semiconductors, and battery plant facilities—continue.

Container Freight Rates from Asia Remain Strong… Rates to LA and LGB Surpass $4,000

Container rates from Asia to the U.S. West Coast continue their upward trend, with average spot rates to Los Angeles and Long Beach (LA/LGB) surpassing $4,000. According to industry sources, freight rates on the Asia–U.S. West Coast route have been rising steadily since May amid a series of General Rate Increases (GRIs) and capacity adjustments by carriers. The market analysis suggests that supply-side factors are driving up rates, as there are no clear signs of demand recovery. With some carriers announcing additional GRIs for early June, there is speculation that rates could surpass $5,000 in the short term. 

Dispute Over Demurrage Fees Escalates Amid U.S. Customs Inspection Delays… Blame Game Between Shippers, Carriers, and Ports

The industry is closely watching as a blame game unfolds between shippers, carriers, and ports over the prolonged detention of containers at the Port of Houston. Sunnyside Digital, a Canadian-based Bitcoin mining equipment manufacturer, recently filed a complaint with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) against shipping line ZIM and the Port of Houston. The complaint alleges that the shipping line and port charged massive demurrage and detention fees after approximately 147 containers imported from China were delayed for about three months due to inspections and detention by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). In other words, despite the fact that the direct cause of the cargo delay was the customs inspection, the shipping line and port authorities charged the shipper substantial demurrage and detention fees. To date, ZIM has imposed approximately $5,880 in demurrage charges and is demanding an additional $7 million in costs, while the Port of Houston has separately imposed over $910,000 in long-term storage fees. In response, the shipper argues that it is unfair to make the shipper bear the full cost of expenses incurred during the customs hold period. Furthermore, the shipper is challenging the application of standard carrier rates, citing the fact that the container in question is a special-purpose unit rather than a standard-sized container. This case highlights the recurring issue in the logistics industry of “demurrage burdens resulting from customs holds.” As early as 2023, the industry raised concerns about the need to reform the practice of passing on delay costs caused by U.S. government customs inspections to shippers, but no clear regulations have been established to date. The industry is closely watching this dispute, as its outcome could set an important precedent for future standards regarding the imposition of demurrage and detention charges in the U.S. Meanwhile, there are also moves to clarify the criteria for D&D (Demurrage & Detention) liability. International logistics software company BuyCo has proposed the use of standard contract clauses that distinguish the liable party for 20 major delay scenarios to reduce disputes among carriers, shippers, and forwarders. As cost disputes arising from customs detention, such as the recent case at the Port of Houston, continue to recur, the industry expects that clarifying liability standards will lead to discussions on future regulatory improvements.

Atlas Air Acquires 49% Stake in Air Atlanta… Strengthening Europe-Based Widebody ACMI Capabilities

Atlas Air Worldwide announced that it has signed a share purchase agreement to acquire a 49% stake in Air Atlanta, an Iceland-based ACMI specialist airline. Atlas is a major cargo airline providing global cargo operations and aircraft leasing services, currently operating a fleet of 43 Boeing 747-400Fs, 17 Boeing 747-8Fs, 5 Boeing 767-300Fs, and 11 Boeing 777Fs. Air Atlanta, based in Iceland and Malta, provides ACMI, CMI, passenger and cargo charter, and aircraft management services, operating 14 wide-body cargo aircraft, including 747F and 777F models, as well as four 777 passenger aircraft. Through this transaction, Atlas is expected to secure a Europe-based widebody ACMI platform and additional cargo capacity, while Air Atlanta will retain its existing management structure and a 51% controlling stake. The transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of this year.