China-Mexico shipping container rates tripled amid Middle East conflict, Digi Mart USA News (Mexico City): Maritime freight rates between China and Mexico have tripled due to the conflict in the Middle East, a situation that threatens to raise the price of goods and erode the purchasing power of Mexican consumers, according to the Mexican Association of Shipping Agents (Amanac).
Roberto Meillón Covarrubias, the association’s president, told El Universal that shipping a 20-foot container cost about $2,000 before the conflict between the United States and Iran, which began on February 28, and currently reaches $6,000.
The increase is attributed to blocked maritime routes, disruptions in international logistics chains, and higher fuel costs.
“If we continue like this, we will reach the cost levels we had during the pandemic,” Meillón Covarrubias warned, estimating that the difficulties could last six to eight months.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, maritime rates exceeded $20,000 per container, contributing to rising global inflation.
According to the World Container Index, at the close of October the cost of shipping a container between Shanghai and Los Angeles reached $7,514, compared with $2,438 recorded in 2025.
The Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation says 33% of Mexican goods move by sea. As a result, higher logistics costs could be passed on to consumers.
Mexico’s statistics agency Inegi reported inflation of 3.6% during the first half of October, while Grupo Bursátil Mexicano and Masari Casa de Bolsa project a rate of 4.3% by year-end.
Transportation companies also face higher expenses from theft, extortion, vehicle maintenance, and security measures. Augusto Ramos, president of the National Chamber of Freight Transportation, said many victims avoid filing complaints out of fear of reprisals.
Although reported thefts from transport fell 20% over the past year, business representatives question the official figures.
Following a national strike, federal authorities held a meeting with transport organizations to address their demands.
A Banco de México survey identified public insecurity as the main obstacle to economic growth over the next six months.
