Supertanker freight rates up sharply as US-China trade war envelops ports

June Goh

Senior Oil Market Analyst

15 October 2025 Time to read:  minutes
“The rates are indeed up as it reduces the pool of tankers available that meets the criteria to avoid incurring the hefty loadport fees,” said June Goh, a senior oil market analyst at Sparta Commodities.
“However, since China is now exempting China-made vessels from the ruling, there is a bit of reprieve there,” she added.

Reuters, Oct 15, 2025 – Supertanker freight rates have surged as U.S.-China tensions spill into shipping. China’s new $15 million port fees on U.S.-linked VLCCs, imposed in response to earlier U.S. measures, have sharply reduced available tonnage. The Middle East–China route rose to W98, up from W70 a week ago. Meanwhile, U.S. sanctions on China’s Rizhao terminal have diverted tankers to Zhoushan, adding congestion risks. Analysts, including Sparta’s June Goh, say the reduced tanker pool will keep rates elevated, tightening Asia-bound crude flows and raising transport costs for traders.

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