RMB Up 4% and Port Congestion Worsening: What Forwarders and Shippers Should Do

# RMB Up 4% and Port Congestion Worsening: What Forwarders and Shippers Should Do

Compiled by Naili AI Logistics Lab from public industry reports: In mid-September 2026, several new variables hit the freight and logistics market at once: the RMB appreciated over 4% against the USD, Colombo port congestion is expected to last about two weeks, the IMO says four sea areas are simultaneously in danger zones, and CMA CGM announced peak-season surcharges of up to USD 10,000 per container on Asia-to-US routes. The core playbook for forwarders and shippers: renegotiate settlement and currency terms, lock in space early, verify service-provider credentials, and put risk-response clauses into contracts.

How does a 4% RMB appreciation affect forwarders and shippers?

An RMB appreciation of over 4% against the USD directly cuts into exporters' settlement profits and shifts forwarders' pricing structures. According to 1hangyun (壹航运) on September 11, 2026, common industry responses include renegotiating currency terms with long-term contract clients, adding currency-validity periods to quotations, and splitting large orders into multiple settlements. For forwarders, settlement currency, payment terms and FX hedging arrangements are becoming new competitive points beyond price; providers that help clients manage currency risk build stronger stickiness.

What knock-on effects will Colombo congestion bring?

Per JCtrans on September 11, 2026, Colombo port congestion is expected to last about two weeks, with multiple carriers issuing schedule alerts. Colombo is a South Asian transshipment hub, so the backlog will ripple into Indian-subcontinent and Middle East connections. Separately, the empty-container depot strike at India's Mundra port has ended, but operations are still recovering, so empty-container turnaround and pickup/return times will stay tight short-term. Shippers on South Asia and Middle East routes should build in 3-5 days of buffer.

With shipping-safety risks rising, what should shippers do?

IMO officials say four sea areas are simultaneously in shipping danger zones; combined with the Hormuz and Red Sea situations, rerouting and insurance costs will stay elevated short-term (Xinde Marine News, Sea-Intelligence-focused outlets, September 11, 2026). Goldman Sachs has also raised its oil-price forecast, suggesting Middle East shipping disruption could last into 2027. Shippers should: prioritize forwarders with clear contingency plans, verify insurance coverage for rerouting and delays, and lock in space and rates before peak season.

Where are US-bound peak-season rates heading?

US-bound peak season is ongoing. CMA CGM announced peak-season surcharges of up to USD 10,000 per container on Asia-to-US routes, and multiple sources expect September US import volumes to peak at 2.31 million TEU (Maritime News, Weiyun.com, September 11, 2026). Supply and demand on the container market remain tight, and high US-bound rates are likely to stay range-bound. Maersk's CEO also suggests the rate center may shift upward, and forwarders should watch supply-chain bottlenecks. Shipment plans should be moved earlier.

What does AI cargo flow mean for air freight?

AI-related cargo (servers, computing equipment, etc.) is squeezing traditional airfreight capacity, tightening Asia-US air lanes (Aviation Travel, September 11, 2026). Maersk's August market update also confirms rising demand for AI-related tech cargo. Meanwhile, AI computing demand is accelerating floating data centers, making "shipping plus computing" a new track (Xinde Marine News, September 11, 2026). For air forwarders, AI cargo is both a capacity squeeze and an opportunity for high-value freight.

FAQ

Q1: How long can forwarder quotes stay valid after the RMB appreciation?

Quotations should state a currency-validity period; long-term clients should renegotiate quarterly or against the contracted rate to avoid FX erosion of margins.

Q2: Which routes are affected by Colombo congestion?

Routes transshipping through Colombo to the Indian subcontinent, Middle East and East Africa are most affected. Shippers should confirm alternative routings with their forwarder in advance.

Q3: Is it too late to lock in US-bound space now?

September is the import-peak month. Lock space and rates 2-3 weeks ahead, and confirm the surcharge structure with your forwarder to avoid surprises at destination.

Q4: How do I verify a forwarder is legitimate?

Check the company's registration and NVOCC filing, and beware of entities impersonating established brands. Kuehne+Nagel recently exposed 32 companies using its name; always verify identity before signing.