As the U.S., China trade tensions escalate dramatically, businesses are facing a logistics landscape that’s shifting by the hour. In the last two days alone, we’ve seen a 104% U.S. tariff on Chinese imports, followed by China’s retaliatory 84% tariffs on U.S. goods. The ripple effect? A freight market on edge, strained margins, and operational decisions that can no longer wait.
We’ve broken down the news and what businesses can do, in two timely updates on our Substack, Logistics Strategies. Here’s what you need to know:
104% Tariff on Chinese Imports – What Now?
Published April 8, 2025
As of April 8, the U.S. announced a 104% total tariff on imports from China, escalating the trade war and putting enormous pressure on shippers and importers who rely on Chinese manufacturing. Industries hit hardest include electronics, consumer goods, industrial components, and packaging.
Key Takeaways:
- Start contingency sourcing and freight planning even if changes aren’t immediate.
- Recalculate landed costs now – including duty, brokerage, and surcharges.
- Run a Tariff Exposure Analysis across SKUs and suppliers.
China Strikes Back: 84% Tariffs on U.S. Goods Could Reshape Freight Markets
Published April 9, 2025
In response, China has imposed 84% tariffs on U.S. exports, intensifying volatility across international trade lanes. This move is likely to cause market shifts in ocean and air freight, blank sailings, rerouting, and new surcharges – all of which could hit outbound shippers especially hard.
Key Takeaways:
- Expect short-term rate volatility, especially in transpacific and intra-Asia lanes.
- Audit outbound freight contracts and revisit your routing strategy.
- Prepare Q2 and Q3 scenario plans with updated pricing models and forecasts.
The Bottom Line:
This is no longer just a policy conversation, it’s an operational crisis. Whether you’re importing from China, exporting to Asia, or simply navigating volatile freight markets, now is the time to act. Waiting will only magnify cost pressures.
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