The US tariff policy has triggered a trade war, severely impacting the global shipping industry. Sectors like container shipping, car transportation, and energy exports are all affected, leading to increased shipping rates and global economic uncertainty. The goal of revitalizing the US shipbuilding industry is unlikely to be achieved in the short term. Ultimately, consumers and businesses will pay the price for trade protectionism.
In the first half of 2025, despite challenges posed by the Sino-U.S. trade war, logistics companies are actively responding to market changes by optimizing overseas warehouse layouts and transportation plans, aided by tariff policy adjustments and the growth of instant logistics. Additionally, the development of the carbon trading market is guiding the logistics sector towards a low-carbon and green transformation. Overall, the logistics industry is facing new opportunities and changes.
Despite tariff pressures, aviation consultancy Cirium forecasts continued growth in freighter demand. Looking back at the US-China trade war, freighter demand bucked the trend and increased, indicating that domestic consumption growth supports the air cargo market. Going forward, freighter operators need to be vigilant about risks such as insufficient cargo volume while seizing structural growth opportunities. The resilience of the air cargo market suggests ongoing demand for dedicated freighters, even amidst global economic uncertainties.
Regular reviews of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) can lead to significant cost savings for manufacturers. Experts indicate that simple tariff reclassification strategies can effectively reduce corporate tariff expenditures, enhance market competitiveness, and help businesses respond flexibly to the volatile trade environment.
The Munich Transport Logistics Exhibition made a successful return, attracting a record number of attendees. The event discussed the profound impact of infrastructure and tariff policies on trade, emphasizing the future potential of the logistics industry under the dual goals of technological innovation and sustainability, and how to strike a balance amid these transformations.
Escalating US-China trade tensions have led some international brands to suspend ocean freight from China to the US. The Port of Los Angeles is experiencing a surge in canceled sailings, posing difficult choices for businesses. While short-term freight volume data remains acceptable, a decline is anticipated in the second half of the year. The trade friction may trigger a reshaping of supply chains, requiring businesses to proactively address challenges and seize opportunities. Companies must adapt to the evolving landscape to maintain competitiveness.
The escalating US-China trade war, with reciprocal tariffs reaching 125%, severely impacts the global trade system, potentially triggering an economic recession and geopolitical fragmentation. Businesses and individuals need to proactively respond by diversifying markets, adjusting supply chains, and enhancing skills to collectively face the challenges and turn crises into opportunities. The trade tensions pose significant risks to global economic stability and require strategic adaptation for businesses to navigate the evolving landscape.
This paper delves into the tariff policies during the Trump administration, the impact of US government shutdowns, and the termination of the 'de minimis' rule. It analyzes the effects of these factors on corporate supply chains, cost structures, compliance, and operational strategies. Furthermore, it offers coping strategies, including utilizing bonded warehouses and free trade zones, to help companies navigate the complex international trade environment effectively and stably.
US small and medium-sized enterprise importers are facing a survival crisis due to tariffs. Surveys show that high tariffs severely impact corporate profitability, even leading to bankruptcy. While companies attempt to shift sourcing locations, the effect is limited, and policy uncertainty further exacerbates the situation. There are no winners in a tariff war; open cooperation is the path to mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. The impact is particularly pronounced on smaller businesses lacking the resources to absorb the increased costs or navigate complex supply chain adjustments.
The United States and the European Union have reached an important trade agreement, imposing a 15% tariff on EU goods entering the U.S. The EU has committed to purchasing $750 billion in U.S. energy and increasing its investments by $600 billion. Trump emphasized that this agreement will boost the development of the U.S. automotive and agricultural sectors. While the EU considers this the best possible outcome, public opinion has raised concerns about its implications.
