Super Typhoon Ragasa, the strongest storm of 2025 (Category-5, 100-knot winds), has forced the closure of major container terminals across southern China and Taiwan, throwing regional supply chains into disarray just days before China’s Golden Week factory shutdown.
Key Impacts
- Port Closures: Yantian (YICT), Shekou (SCT), Chiwan (CCT) and MCT terminals suspended all inbound calls Monday; only outbound transits allowed.
- Cargo Backlog: An estimated 180,000 TEU will miss Golden Week sailings, pushing this week’s blank-sailing ratio on Asia-Europe to 17 percent (Linerlytica).
- Previous Disruption: Typhoon No. 16 already shuttered the same ports on 26 August; combined dwell could reach 10 days.
- Next Threat: Tropical Storm Opong is forecast to reach typhoon strength Thursday and track toward Hainan by early next week.
Spot Rates Stall
Asia-North Europe WCI slid 2 percent to $3,384/FEU this week as Ragasa-related rollovers start to surface; forwarders expect a short-lived spike once gates reopen and empty reefers are repositioned.
Outlook
Carriers will likely void another 12-15 sailings if Opong follows a similar path, tightening Q4 capacity just as holiday restocking begins. Shippers should brace for 2-3 week delays on ex-South China loops and surcharges for equipment imbalance already being floated by MSC and COSCO.
