Freight Cost Surge Reshapes U.S. Supply Chain Strategy

Due to geopolitical disruptions in the Red Sea and congestion at West Coast ports, global freight rates have surged by 15%–30% over the past month. For businesses entering the U.S. market, this adds volatility to supply chain planning and increases cost uncertainty.

Strategic Implications

• Capex Planning Adjustments：Factory setup timelines may be disrupted due to delayed equipment imports.

• Vendor Diversification：Firms are increasingly sourcing from Mexico or using U.S. bonded warehouses for flexibility.

• Proactive Cost Estimation：Upfront budget planning must now include logistics volatility assumptions.

  
  

We advise clients to integrate logistics risk into their early-stage investment decisions and evaluate nearshoring options. OneLink offers sourcing, customs, and warehousing strategies to help companies navigate this volatile environment.