Middle East Conflict & Tariff Turmoil: Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Buy a Used Shipping Container

As the market prices for used shipping containers have been declining over the past year and reached an all-time low according to Eveon’s Market Monitor, we now observe a confluence of factors likely to drive prices upwards. These drivers can be categorized into tariff-related effects and those stemming from the Middle East conflict while there is also a seasonal demand increase to be expected. This article will analyze these three categories in detail.

1. How the Middle East conflict will impact container availability and pricing in the US?

While the conflict in the Middle East only escalated in an attack from Israel and the US on the regime on Iran days ago, we already see two important effects that are very likely to impact container availability and pricing. First of all, 10% of the world’s container fleet is locked up in the Persian Gulf and cannot leave through the street of Hormuz as Iran is threatening to destroy any vessel that tries to leave the Persian Gulf. This locks up shipping capacity and a substantial part of the global container fleet.

Next to this shipping lines have started to add surcharges and are likely to avoid using the Red Sea and Suez Canal as the Houthi’s, backed by Iran are threatening to destroy vessels. This will result in shipping lines needing to round Africa which takes substantially more time (10-14 days more) and as a consequence seriously impacts the efficient usage of the world’s container fleet.

2. How can tariff related effects drive up the prices of used shipping containers?

On February 20, 2026, the Supreme Court invalidated existing US tariff structures. Within hours, the administration announced a uniform 10% tariff under Section 122 authority, raising it to 15% the following day. By February 24, a 15% Section 122 global tariff was in full effect on nearly all U.S. imports, covering an estimated $1.2 trillion in goods over a 150-day window.

The headlines have been dominated by warnings of higher consumer prices, supply chain disruption, and freight volatility. All of that is real. But buried inside this trade earthquake is a counterintuitive opportunity, one that savvy businesses and developers are already noticing: used shipping container prices have been falling over the past year, and the window to buy won’t stay open for long.

Timeline of Events regarding the tariffs

• 2025: Similar tariff window creates import surge precedent; container repositioning accelerates
• February 20, 2026: Supreme Court invalidates existing tariff structure
• February 20, 2026: President announces 10% Section 122 tariff
• February 21, 2026: Tariff rate increased to 15%
• Late Feb / Early March 2026: End of seasonal demand trough
• March 2026: Seasonal demand increase typically begins
• Mid-to-late July 2026: 150-day temporary tariff window expires

How This Differs from Previous Tariff Structures?

The previous system applied different tariff rates by country. The new 15% uniform rate creates decreases across global trade partners to include:

• China: 7.1% point effective decrease
• India: 5.6% point decrease
• Brazil: 13.6% point decrease
• Southeast Asia: Vietnam (−2.8%), Thailand (−2.0%), Malaysia (−1.7%)

*Source: Global Trade Alert, Bloomberg, RSM US LLP

Why a 150 day window for lower tariffs could result in a short term import surge based on the learnings from 2025?

Trade policy creates behavior, a new tariff will likely trigger a surge in front-loaded imports, companies scrambling to get goods into the country before costs rise further, before tariff structures solidify, or before their competitors gain an edge.

The Section 122 tariff’s 150-day structure is critical. Importers know the clock is ticking. Based on 2025 precedent, when a similar tariff window triggered an aggressive import surge, we can anticipate how this will unfold. Companies front-loaded imports to capture favorable rates before expiration. Shipping lines responded by repositioning containers to Asian load ports to maximize import cycles within the window which decreases the availability of used shipping containers and as a consequence could lead to higher prices.

But what if the Section 122 tariffs are invalidated by a court as well?

Legal uncertainty adds another dimension. If courts invalidate the Section 122 structure entirely, the rush to import could intensify as companies maximize duty-free access before new policies emerge creating even stronger container demand. Both scenarios, tariffs surviving or being struck down, point toward tighter used equipment availability compared to current conditions.

3. Why a container demand is expected over the next 2 to 3 months?

Late February typically represents the tail end of the slowest period for used container demand in the US market. Understanding the seasonal pattern that is recognized by everyone in the US container market puts the current opportunity in sharp relief:

• January–February: Annual low point (post-holiday slowdown, weather delays)
• March–June: Rising demand (construction resumes, spring projects, warehouse expansion)
• July–August: Moderate demand (summer slowdown)
• September–December: Peak season (holiday logistics, year-end inventory, project completions)

The Spring and Summer Inflection Point

As we move into late spring and early summer, the seasonal surge in consumer goods manufacturing and import activity picks up sharply. Retailers stock for back-to-school. E-commerce fulfillment ramps. Agricultural exports move in volume. This happens every year, but in 2026, it coincides with two major events: the Mideast conflict and the 150-day tariff window expiring, creating a second wave of trade activity as businesses adjust to whatever comes next.

As import and export volumes climb through May and June, demand for containers both for active shipping and for onsite storage as warehousing costs rise could increase significantly. When inventory tightens, supply and demand takes over with precision: prices are likely to go up.

Who Should Be Paying Attention Right Now?

The current historically low prices in the container market combined with serious drivers from both the Mideast Conflict and Tariffs create a unique window of opportunity for wide range of buyers and industries:

Small and Mid-Sized Businesses

Businesses facing rising import costs and freight bills can offset some of that pressure by owning their storage infrastructure outright rather than paying escalating warehouse or container rental fees. With freight costs rising and third-party logistics space at a premium, a purchased container on your own property becomes a genuine operational asset.

Real Estate Developers & Contractors

Those who use containers for on-site storage or site offices know that container prices are cyclical. Current depressed prices represent the bottom of that cycle while there is a culmination of factors that will very likely drive prices up, a familiar signal to buy.

Farmers & Agricultural Producers

With harvest season approaching, containers are at a historically low price while there are many factors that are likely to lead to price increases. Procuring on-site storage now, in advance of seasonal demand, is straightforward economics.