Freight market update - 10 April 2025

The freight world is buzzing — and not just with spring energy. We’re entering Q2 2025 with massive regulatory shakeups, shifting trade lanes, and capacity signals flashing both green and red depending on where you’re watching from.

The U.S. CBP’s updated reciprocal tariff order has taken effect as of April 9, jacking up duties on Chinese goods to a hefty 84% (from the previous 34%). This move is already echoing across ocean lanes, with importers rerouting or scrambling to reprice.

Meanwhile, Asia capacity remains tight out of China and Southeast Asia, with some stabilization in rates — though peak season pre-pulls may trigger volatility again in late April. Europe and the transatlantic corridors are experiencing structural slowdowns, with demand soft but relatively steady.

Demand & Volumes

• U.S. imports from China are under pressure post-tariff. Retailers are actively rerouting sourcing or fast-tracking entries ahead of the duty spike.

• LTL demand remains soft across North America — especially in retail and CPG. Inventories are still being digested after aggressive Q4 restocking.

• Ecommerce-driven fulfillment volumes are holding strong, especially on the East Coast. Warehouses near NJ/NY are reporting healthy throughput.

Regulations & Trade Policy

• April 9: U.S. CBP’s new 84% tariff on goods from China (including HK and Macau) goes into effect under HTSUS 9903.01.63.

• Immediate implications: Increased landed costs, sourcing diversification push, and potential customs delays during filing transitions.

• EU emissions surcharges are creeping into customer invoices from major carriers — Maersk and MSC are both indexing greener fuel cost pass-throughs.

Carrier Behavior & Capacity

• Carriers are starting to reposition blank sailings out of China in response to tariff-adjusted bookings.

• Trucking capacity remains oversupplied in most U.S. lanes, keeping spot rates in check, though fuel surcharges are up slightly this week.

• Port congestion easing: LAX/LGB and NY/NJ report clean dwell times. Houston is a minor exception due to Gulf project imports.

Ocean Freight Market Updates

Asia → U.S.

• Transpacific Eastbound is in a sensitive holding pattern post-tariff. Expect rerouting to SE Asia origins and Mexico-based consolidation.

• Port of Shanghai is busy — not congested — but expect customs slowdowns due to new export compliance updates.

• Southeast Asia sees demand uptick, especially for Vietnam and Thailand as importers look for tariff-free sourcing.

Europe → U.S.

• Maersk and MSC reducing capacity to balance soft demand.

• Rates are stable but seeing early signs of pressure for Q2. Watch out for blank sailings and minor GRIs.

• Northern European ports are calm, with Rotterdam and Antwerp both reporting low congestion.

 U.S. Domestic & Nearshore

• U.S. Gulf lanes to the Midwest are in solid shape. FTL moves remain fast, and project cargo flow (especially in energy) is steady.

• Mexico cross-border: Growing activity in automotive and electronics is stretching drayage capacity near Laredo.

Final Word from Beeontrade

We're entering a new freight environment — shaped as much by policy as by seasonality. The 84% China tariff will reshape demand signals in the coming weeks. Now’s the time to lean into multi-origin strategies, real-time visibility, and proactive planning.

At Beeontrade, we’re built to respond — not react. Whether you're fast-shifting SKUs, managing compliance risks, or needing warehouse elasticity, we’re on standby to help you stay ahead of the curve.

Let’s ship smarter. Let’s build global.