Expect Higher Shipping Container Prices as Middle East Conflict Disrupts Supply Chains

If you’ve been on the fence about buying a shipping container—whether for storage, a backyard office, a renovation project, or your business—here’s your heads-up: prices will be going up.

We’re not talking about slight seasonal adjustments. Between tariffs, rising steel costs, and growing instability in the Middle East, the container market is tightening—and industry insiders expect prices to increase soon.

So if you're thinking about buying a container this summer, the smartest move might be to buy now before things get more expensive.

Why Shipping Container Prices Are About to Climb

There are three key reasons why shipping container prices are expected to rise throughout the rest of 2025:

1. Steel Prices Are Surging Again

Steel is the biggest cost in building a new shipping container and steel prices are on the rise.

• Due to tensions in the Middle East (particularly between Israel and Iran), raw materials like steel and aluminum are getting more expensive globally.

• This affects shipping container manufacturers directly. Even a moderate jump in steel pricing can translate to hundreds of dollars more per container in production costs.

As long as these conflicts continue—and global supply chains stay stressed—steel prices are expected to keep climbing.

2. Higher Tariffs = Higher Container Costs

The United States increased tariffs on imported steel and aluminum earlier this year.

That might sound like political news, but here’s what it means for shipping container buyers like you:

• Almost all shipping containers are made in China where tariffs have been as high as 145%.

• When tariffs go up, those higher costs are passed down the line—from manufacturers to wholesalers, then to you.
  

Bottom line: every new container entering the U.S. is getting more expensive to build, import, and sell—and prices will start to reflect that.

3. Supply Is Tight and Demand Isn’t Slowing Down

Used containers are already getting harder to find. And as new (one-trip) shipping container prices go up, more people are turning to used ones to save money.

That’s creating a classic supply-and-demand squeeze:

• Fewer used containers are available

• More buyers are competing for the same inventory
  

If you wait too long, you might not only pay more—you might struggle to find what you need at all.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

If you’re reading this and thinking, “Maybe I’ll wait and see what happens,” consider this:

• Prices won’t go down anytime soon. None of the current conditions—steel shortages, global tensions, or tariffs—are likely to reverse in the next few months.

• Used inventory is already drying up. Some shipping container companies are reporting delays or limited stock for the most in-demand units.

• More people are jumping into the market. From DIY home builders to small businesses, more buyers are entering the space—and buying up the containers that used to sit around.

Waiting until late summer or fall could cost you hundreds (or even thousands) more, especially if you're buying multiple units.

Buy Now to Save Money:

✅ Buy sooner, rather than later

Lock in current pricing before the next rate increases.

✅ Ask about our rent-to-own option

With our rent-to-own option, you can get a shipping container at today’s price with a small deposit and low monthly payments.

✅ Don’t forget about delivery costs

Delivery costs are also affected by fuel prices. Lock in the container + delivery while fuel surcharges are still manageable.

The Best Time to Buy a Shipping Container Is Now

All signs for shipping container pricing are pointing in one direction: up.

Steel prices are rising. Tariffs are adding pressure. Global unrest is shaking up supply chains. And inventory is getting tighter by the week.

The truth is, waiting for prices to drop in 2025 is probably wishful thinking. The smarter move? Buy now while inventory is still available and prices are still within reach.

Want help comparing container types, understanding delivery fees, or finding the best deal near you? Just ask—the experienced sales team at USA Containers is here to help make sure you don’t overpay when the next round of price hikes hits.

Fill out the form below for a free shipping container quote from USA Containers: