In July 2024, China set unprecedented shipping records with 800,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) sent to Northern Europe and 1.36 million TEU dispatched to North America. This high volume made June 2024 the eighth busiest month ever, following the peak shipping levels seen during the late stages of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. Peter Sand, Chief Analyst at Xeneta, attributed this surge in shipping demand to disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Red Sea, which has significantly altered traditional ocean supply chain patterns. To avoid repeating the chaotic disruptions experienced during the pandemic years, shippers have been advancing their imports to earlier in the year. This precautionary move has contributed to record-setting shipping volumes in June. The surge in shipping demand has also led to a dramatic increase in spot rates. Between April 30 and July 1, average spot rates for shipments from the Far East to the US and Northern Europe saw substantial rises. Rates to the US West Coast jumped by 144%, while those to the East Coast increased by 139%. Spot rates to Northern Europe surged by 166% during the same period. Sand observed that shippers are willing to pay higher premiums to secure their supply chains amid these disruptions. The influx of shipments in May and June caused significant congestion at Asian ports, further driving up rates. Many companies have even started importing Christmas goods as early as May to mitigate potential risks, despite the associated higher costs. This proactive strategy underscores the ongoing challenges and adjustments within global shipping logistics.