Oct. 22 at 10:52 PM
$TRMD
Tanker freight rates have surged in October 2025, with VLCCs exceeding
$80,000 per day on Middle East-to-China routes, driven by increased Middle East Gulf oil liftings from OSP cuts and real cargo demand growth outpacing vessel supply.
China's new port fees, effective October 14, 2025, imposing up to
$56 per ton on U.S.-linked vessels amid escalating U.S.-China trade tensions, have disrupted shipping patterns and further tightened available tonnage by diverting ships to laden voyages.
This fundamentals-based rally, rather than market hype, positions tanker stocks like
$TRMD,
$TNK, and
$STNG for gains, as evidenced by Teekay Tankers' October update highlighting rising spot rates from OPEC+ production increases ahead of winter.
