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Tariff Tensions Drive Short-Term Freight Surges and Long-Term Uncertainty

Apr 15, 2025 | , , , , , ,

Global freight markets remain under pressure as shifting US tariff policies continue to disrupt established trade patterns, prompting divergent responses across air and sea freight markets. While immediate demand surges have driven up short-term pricing, underlying market dynamics suggest a volatile road ahead.

Air freight rates from the US to China have surged following China’s announcement of steep tariff increases on American imports. Faced with escalating duties – rising from 34% to 125% – Chinese importers rushed to move goods before the latest hike, triggering a sharp spike in demand for air freight. Rates have soared, in some cases quadrupling, particularly on express shipments booked close to the tariff deadline.

Freighter capacity has responded swiftly, with US–China volumes up nearly 60% in March compared to February, and year-to-date capacity 21% higher than in 2024. However, this may represent a short-term peak. As the market absorbs front-loaded shipments and the end of the de minimis exemption approaches on 2 May, analysts anticipate a rapid slowdown, potentially leading to overcapacity and falling rates across both air and ocean modes.

Despite a global drop in air cargo volumes last week, average spot rates rose by 1%, reaching their highest point this year. Combined spot and contract rates increased by 2% week on week and 3% year on year. However, some trade lanes showed early signs of softening. Volumes out of the Middle East and South Asia fell by 24%, with Asia Pacific down 7%, and North America 2%. China–US traffic dipped 5% week on week—the first decline of the year—although volumes remain slightly ahead of 2024.

Spot container rates on key east-west ocean trades showed modest increases despite widespread booking suspensions and heightened uncertainty. On the transpacific, rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles and New York rose by 3% and 2%, respectively. Yet forward-looking indices suggest softening ahead, with next-week quotes showing a 5% decline on west coast routes and a 2.5% fall on the east coast.

The tariff-driven disruption is also shifting contracting strategies. Many beneficial cargo owners are moving a larger share of their volumes into the spot market to retain flexibility, which can impact trade lane pricing stability.

Meanwhile, demand signals out of China remain mixed. Some cargo has been postponed, withdrawn from customs, or even abandoned mid-transit, as importers and exporters reassess risk exposure. Others are pressing ahead with shipments as scheduled, with a clear eye on alternative sourcing and destination markets.

On the Asia–Europe corridor, spot rate trends are more stable. Shanghai–Rotterdam rates increased by 4%, while Genoa-bound rates rose by 1%. The Shanghai Containerised Freight Index showed a 1.5% week-on-week increase to North Europe and a 6% gain to Mediterranean ports. Capacity control measures appear to be supporting rates, though competition among carriers can be fierce.

Temporary Highs, Lingering Uncertainty

While both air and sea freight markets are demonstrating resilience in the face of immediate shocks, structural uncertainty persists. Tariff changes, shifting trade alliances, and varying responses from shippers are driving short-term spikes but could give way to downward pressure as demand softens and inventory levels stabilise.

We understand the pressures global supply chains are under. That’s why we offer fixed-rate agreements on key ocean freight routes, helping you navigate rate volatility with confidence and control. 

Whether you’re managing critical lanes, looking for alternative routings or planning ahead for the year, our tailored sea freight solutions provide the stability you need to stay ahead.

To discover how Metro can strengthen your ocean supply chain and provide peace of mind, EMAIL our Managing Director, Andy Smith, today.

And if you’re seeking smarter, faster, and more resilient air freight strategies, with protected space and rates, we’re here to help. Metro’s air freight solutions are built to optimise your logistics – even in a shifting market.

EMAIL Elliot Carlile, Operations Director, today to explore how we can support your 2025 success.

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New Tariffs and the End of De Minimis

Apr 15, 2025 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

On 2 April 2025, President Donald J. Trump announced sweeping new tariffs, targeting approximately 60 countries, with China singled out for the most severe action. In response to retaliatory tariffs from Beijing, the United States escalated its own duties, ultimately imposing a 125% tariff on all imports from China, Hong Kong, and Macau, in addition to previously existing tariffs.

While the White House has not made extensive public statements on the topic of de minimis imports – the long-standing policy allowing goods valued under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free – key guidance released on 2 and 8 April confirms that this exemption will soon be withdrawn for goods from China and Hong Kong.

Escalation of U.S. Tariffs on China
The first of the new tariffs took effect on 4 February 2025, when a 10% duty was introduced on top of the existing Section 301 tariffs. This was increased to 20% on 4 March, and then, on 2 April, President Trump announced a 34% reciprocal tariff, which included a new 10% baseline tariff applicable to all countries starting 5 April.

However, after China retaliated with increased tariffs on U.S. exports, the White House raised the China-specific tariff to 84% on 8 April, and then to a staggering 125% on 9 April. 

This final rate became effective at 00:01 ET on 10 April. These duties are stackable, meaning that in many cases, importers will face a total duty burden of around 145%, factoring in earlier Section 301 tariffs and the new reciprocal tariffs.

De Minimis Policy Changes for Chinese Imports
The de minimis exemption, which allows shipments valued at or below $800 USD to enter the United States without duties or import taxes, is being formally eliminated for goods originating from China and Hong Kong, effective 2 May 2025 at 00:01 ET.

This change follows a period of confusion that began on 1 February, when the White House first announced the end of de minimis for Chinese-origin shipments. 

Implementation on 4 February resulted in significant logistical disruptions, including a temporary halt in parcel acceptance by the United States Postal Service (USPS). The policy was reversed just one day later, on 5 February, to give U.S. authorities time to prepare for full enforcement.

Now, with updated executive orders on 8 April and 9 April, the de minimis exemption will definitively end for China and Hong Kong on 2 May. The administration is also considering extending these rules to Macau.

Starting on that date, goods valued under $800 from China and Hong Kong will be subject to a duty calculated at 120% of the item’s value, and a postal fee of $100 per package. 

The postal fee will rise to $200 on 1 June 2025. These amounts were increased from earlier planned levels of 30% duty and $25/$50 postal fees through the two April executive orders.

Additionally, the exemption will no longer apply to low-value goods shipped through couriers or freight companies—not just postal shipments—ensuring broad application across all shipping channels.

What’s Next?
While the de minimis threshold remains in place for most other countries, both the White House and members of Congress are reportedly reviewing broader changes to this policy. 

For now, the key changes apply specifically to China and Hong Kong, but the political momentum suggests the U.S. may tighten or eliminate de minimis privileges more broadly in the near future.

TIMELINE: Tariffs on China
1 Feb Trump announces elimination of de minimis for China (initially).
4 Feb 10% tariff imposed on Chinese and Hong Kong imports. No drawback or exclusion process.
5 Feb De minimis reinstated temporarily due to USPS overload and customs issues.
4 Mar Tariff on China doubled to 20%.
2 Apr Trump announces 34% reciprocal tariff on 60 countries, starting with China.
5 Apr New baseline 10% reciprocal tariff applies to all countries (excl China).
8 Apr After China retaliates, U.S. increases China tariff to 84%; raises de minimis duty to 90%.
9 Apr Tariff on China raised to 125%. De minimis duty rises to 120%.
10 Apr 125% China tariff becomes effective.
2 May End of de minimis for China and Hong Kong. New duties and postal fees apply.
1 June Postal fee increases for low-value shipments from China.

If you’d like to review any potential impact of tariffs on your supply chain, assess your exposure, or explore strategic options, we’re here to help. Metro is well-placed to support you, backed by our expanded US footprint and strong focus on North American trade flows.

Make informed decisions with Metro’s compliance and regulatory insights. EMAIL Andrew Smith, Managing Director.

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Tariff turmoil threatens US importers as China trade takes a hit

Apr 10, 2025 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

After weeks of speculation, US President Donald Trump has sharply escalated tariffs on Chinese goods to 125%, while simultaneously offering a 90-day reprieve to other trading partners.

The baseline tariff of 10% applies to imports from all countries other than China, including the EU. This rate applies in addition to any existing tariffs, with certain exemptions in place for key sectors such as semiconductors, copper, lumber, pharmaceuticals, bullion, energy, and minerals not found domestically.

Meanwhile, the separate 25% tariff on automobiles and auto parts, introduced last month, remains in effect.

Tariffs of 25% also continue to apply to steel and aluminium imports across the board, alongside the existing 25% duty on goods from Mexico and Canada that do not comply with USMCA free trade agreement terms.

US retailers and importers are reacting quickly. Delaying or cancelling orders and turning to existing inventory while they wait for clarity. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), the outlook for imports is bleak, with volumes expected to fall sharply in the coming months.

Data from Dun & Bradstreet shows that just 225,900 TEUs of US imports from Asia were booked in the past seven days, down from around 633,000 TEUs the week before. Purchase orders for fall and holiday merchandise are also being postponed by 30 to 60 days.

The NRF’s Global Port Tracker estimates a 20% year-on-year drop in US imports for the second half of 2025. June volumes are forecast to be the lowest since early 2023, with the downturn starting as soon as May. While the 90-day reprieve on non-China tariffs may cushion the blow, the wide disparity in duty rates between China and other Asian nations is already influencing global sourcing decisions.

With tariffs now exceeding 150% on some goods, many Chinese-made products are no longer viable in the US market. By contrast, the impact on goods from countries facing lower tariffs is less severe. A 10% duty typically translates to a retail price increase of around 3%, making these supply chains more resilient in the near term. As a result, sourcing is shifting rapidly towards countries like Vietnam and Taiwan, where the tariff environment is more favourable.

Despite the disruption, shipping lines remain cautiously optimistic. Many believe that once the tariff situation stabilises import volumes could rebound strongly during the peak late summer to autumn season.

Meanwhile, the administration appears to be refining its approach on another controversial measure. The proposed port fees of up to $1.5 million on Chinese-built or operated ships calling at US ports. Speaking before the Senate Finance Committee, USTR Jamieson Greer sought to ease concerns, indicating adjustments are being made to avoid damaging American export competitiveness.

“The president will look very carefully to make sure we have the right amount of time and the right incentives to create shipbuilding here without impacting our commodity exports,” Greer said.

Meanwhile, pressure is building on US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The increased complexity of tariff codes and documentation is creating more manual processing work, and staffing levels have not risen in line with demand. There is growing concern that CBP could be overwhelmed if volumes rise suddenly or new duties are introduced.

For now, the only certainty is continued volatility. Trade flows are being redrawn, sourcing strategies are in flux, and the longer-term consequences of this tariff upheaval are only just beginning to surface.

We will share further updates as new details emerge, particularly around the EU and shifts in UK trade policy.

If you’d like to review any potential impact on your supply chain, assess your exposure, or explore strategic options, we’re here to help. Metro is well-placed to support you, backed by our expanded US footprint and strong focus on North American trade flows.

If we can help, or simply answer your questions, contact us now for prompt and tailored advice.

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US Tariff Developments and Global Trade Reactions

Apr 9, 2025 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Further to our recent update on the major changes to US tariffs (link), the global trade landscape remains highly fluid, with the situation evolving rapidly.

Last Wednesday, 2nd April, President Donald Trump announced a comprehensive tariff strategy, imposing a universal 10% tariff on all imported goods, effective from the 5th April.

Additionally, as of today, 9th April, a second wave of higher “reciprocal” tariffs has been implemented, targeting specific countries with rates ranging from 11% to 50%, based on perceived trade imbalances and barriers. Notably, China which now faces a tariff rate of 104% on its exports to the US, combining previous and new duties.

The UK, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Taiwan have confirmed they will not introduce countermeasures at this stage. Notably, both Vietnam and Taiwan have expressed willingness to negotiate with the US and explore zero-tariff agreements.

In contrast, China responded with retaliatory tariffs of up to 34% on US goods, which has seen President Trump follow through with his threatened escalation of an additional 50% duty on Chinese imports. As a result, US importers now face an unprecedented degree of uncertainty around landed costs.

The European Union has proposed a zero-tariff arrangement on autos and industrial goods, which was rejected by the US. So far, the EU’s potential response appears limited to steel and aluminium, though speculation persists around broader negotiations and potential shifts in trade policy.

This environment puts US importers in a difficult position: ship now and risk overpaying if tariffs are reversed, or delay and risk facing even higher costs if further duties are imposed. Many are opting to pause shipments where possible, disrupting vessel utilisation, bookings, and spot market rates.

Early indicators suggest the impact on global logistics is already being felt. Sea freight container bookings into the US from China have dropped a massive 67% in the past 7 days compared to the week prior, with export bookings also down 40%. If these figures are anywhere near accurate, this marks an extremely large and immediate disruption to trade flows into the US.

If this slowdown continues, significant blank sailings from the carriers are inevitable, and signs of this are already emerging. Yesterday, Ocean Network Express (ONE) announced that the Premier Alliance PN4 Pacific service, scheduled to begin in May, has been suspended until further notice—an early indication of broader cancellations to come.

There are several mechanisms that can be utilised to temporarily avoid duties for exports into the USA including Free/ Foreign Trade Zones, customs regimes, bonded facilities, temporary import bonds (TIB’s), carnets and more. There are options to carry on shipping goods to USA and not clear them until it is absolutely clear whether commodity tariff rates will be reduced or withdrawn as, or if, deals are agreed between countries.

From an objective standpoint, it remains unclear what concessions the US is seeking in exchange for easing these tariffs, particularly since the justification of “tariffs imposed on the US” lacks clarity in many cases.

For shippers and carriers the coming days and weeks will require vigilance and adaptability. The tariff landscape may shift dramatically and without warning, both upward and downward.

We continue to monitor developments closely and will issue further updates as more information becomes available, particularly concerning potential EU countermeasures and UK trade policy responses.

If you would like to review your specific supply chain impact, assess your exposure, or explore strategic alternatives, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Metro is well-positioned to support you, bolstered by our expanded US presence and strong focus on North American trade flows.

Expect further insights in the coming days as the situation unfolds and if you have any questions please give me a call, or drop a message, and we will ensure that you receive immediate attention and advice.

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