2026 World Cup Spurs Early Shipments in Yiwu, U.S. Ocean Freight Rates and PSS Surcharges Surge

Yiwu exporters are witnessing a surge in shipments ahead of the 2026 World Cup and the U.S. Independence Day holiday. The combined effect of rising demand for sports merchandise and uncertain U.S. tariff policies has significantly tightened U.S. ocean freight capacity, with rates expected to increase from late May. Sunyang Shipping and Wan Hai lines have announced rate adjustments effective June 1, with each FEU rising by $1,000–$1,500. Maersk will apply an additional PSS surcharge from June 17 ($1,000 per TEU / $2,000 per FEU), while MSC has also increased surcharges on Asia-U.S. lanes.

Market analysts project U.S. East Coast rates around $4,800 per FEU and West Coast rates near $6,000 per FEU, marking a 60–76% increase compared to early May. The surge coincides with a peak export season for sports goods and licensed merchandise, with shipments from Yiwu reaching 2.83 billion RMB in Q1, up 12% year-on-year. Sellers are strategically managing high-value cargo pricing and inventory to accommodate the World Cup demand, while controlling IP risks and post-event stock for licensed products.