NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — A new USDA Agricultural Marketing Service study finds that big shipping alliances—groups of ocean carriers that share ships and schedules—now move over 70 percent of America’s container exports.
Even as export volumes have leveled off since peaking in 2015, the report says the real-world effects on exporters are small: a few fewer ship visits on some routes, slightly tighter space, and roughly $20 more per container on average.
For farm shippers—hay, specialty grains, meats, dairy powders, almonds—the impact isn’t worse than for other goods. The study notes import routes may be a different story because they move larger volumes and higher-value products, so they could feel alliance power more sharply.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Expect business-as-usual for most container exports. Keep bookings flexible, budget for modest rate bumps, diversify ports and carriers where possible, and watch import congestion for ripple effects.
Related Stories
At CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses profitability, consumer demand, and how the integrated U.S.–Canada beef supply chain impacts cattle producers across North America.
The USDA’s February WASDE report looms as the CME Ag Economy Barometer shows declining farmer confidence, and more ag industry groups calling for swift policy action.
The U.S. trade deal with Argentina creates new export opportunities for U.S. livestock and crop producers but also raises competitive concerns.
More flexible export financing could strengthen demand in emerging markets and support higher U.S. agricultural exports.
Incremental trade clarity with India could support select U.S. ag exports, but major gains hinge on future market-access talks.
The phone call injected optimism into the soybean market, but actual Chinese buying and its timing will ultimately determine the extent of U.S. agricultural export benefits.
