Growing China-US Trade Disputes Spark New Tariffs and Freight Rate Fluctuations in 2025

Trade Tensions and Tariff Threats Shake the Shipping World

The rising friction between China and the United States is stirring up fresh challenges in international trade, especially affecting tariffs and freight movements. New tariff measures and export restrictions are sending ripples through global shipping lanes, creating a complex environment for logistics and supply chains.

Recent Developments in Trade and Freight

After months of hope that ongoing China-US negotiations might ease scrutiny—especially concerning port call fees scheduled from mid-October 2025—these expectations were quickly dashed. Instead, the last week witnessed a spike in tit-for-tat trade restrictions.

Effective October 14, port call fees began applying to US-related vessels entering China ports. Parallelly, China imposed new export controls on rare earth metals essential for many industries, with some measures kicking in immediately and others slated for December 1.

US Response and Tariff Escalations

The US administration countered by threatening to cancel a high-profile summit and proposing 100% tariffs on all Chinese imports starting November 1, escalating trade tensions further. The looming expiration of a previous tariff pause from August intensifies the uncertainty. Beyond tariffs, the US signaled possible sanctions targeting vessels from countries endorsing controversial environmental resolutions at the International Maritime Organization.

Impact on Freight Rates and Shipping Operations

Interestingly, most Chinese carriers have downplayed the immediate impact of new port fees, indicating no significant schedule changes or added customer surcharges. Many carriers have also pre-emptively reduced the number of vessels bound for US ports to avoid exposure. Industry analysts estimate these fees affect a small fraction—around 5%—of port calls, suggesting limited direct disruption to transpacific freight rates or shipping capacity in the near term.

Yet, the largest influencer of freight costs remains the growing availability of container vessel capacity. After a phase of instability due to regional conflicts like the Israel-Hamas situation, there’s renewed optimism for container traffic returning through the traditionally busy Red Sea route. Carriers such as CULines are ramping up services via the Suez Canal, anticipating capacity relief once stability is confirmed. Most, however, will wait for sustained security before fully resuming the transit.

Freight Rate Trends Amidst Increasing Capacity

As of late 2025, ocean freight rates have slid to lows reminiscent of the pre-Red Sea crisis period. Transpacific container prices dipped by about 8%, averaging approximately $1,400 per FEU (Forty-Foot Equivalent Unit) to the US West Coast and around $3,000 to the East Coast. This drop is attributed to softer import volumes driven by earlier trade-war stockpiling and anticipated further declines through year-end, compounded by a surge in available shipping capacity.

On Asia-Europe routes, demand remains moderately stronger year-over-year. Yet, despite steady volumes and congestion worsened by port labor disputes, container rates dropped 9% last week to roughly $1,747 per FEU, returning to levels typical in early 2023. Carriers intend to apply General Rate Increases of about $1,000 per FEU on Asia-Europe lanes in November to reverse the downward rate pressure, but prior capacity cuts have yet to make a significant dent in this slide.

Air Cargo Rates Feeling Tariff and Congestion Effects

Airfreight prices between China and the US have recently risen, possibly stirred by looming tariff threats set for November but also impacted by a temporary US government shutdown causing congestion. Last week, rates jumped about 19%, matching mid-September levels near $5.30 per kilogram—still shy of the $7.00/kg peak a year prior. Conversely, China-Europe air cargo fares dipped slightly but hover 5% above levels from a month ago.

Meanwhile, labor issues at Belgian ports add delays to ocean freight, though air cargo rates have remained largely steady, despite some passenger flight disruptions.

Freight Market Overview Table

Logistics Industry Implications

For logistics and freight forwarders, these evolving trade frictions and tariff regimes underscore the importance of agility and adaptability. While immediate cost hikes from port call fees may be limited, uncertainty around tariffs and export restrictions, particularly on essential materials like rare earth metals, demands strategic routing and scheduling flexibility.

Furthermore, shifts in container capacity utilization and ocean rate volatility call for continuous vigilance in contract negotiations and supply chain planning. The temporary undercutting of rates presents cost-saving opportunities but also signals caution for congestion and stability concerns, especially around key maritime chokepoints like the Suez Canal and Red Sea.

Choosing Reliable Freight Solutions Amid Turmoil

While market data and reviews offer valuable clues, nothing compares to firsthand experience. Platforms like GetTransport.com provide a broad, transparent spectrum of global cargo transportation options, empowering shippers to make well-informed decisions without overpaying or facing unexpected delays. Whether moving office equipment, household items, vehicles, or bulky freight, users benefit from the platform’s affordability, convenience, and extensive service network.

By leveraging GetTransport.com’s real-time comparisons and easy bookings, customers can navigate uncertain markets with confidence, ensuring timely deliveries and cost control. Book your cargo transportation at the most competitive prices worldwide and streamline your logistics today. Získajte najlepšie ponuky na GetTransport.com.

Forecast: Trade Tensions and Logistics Going Forward

Globally, these new tariffs and trade measures may have a subtle impact on freight patterns, primarily due to limited scope and adaptability of carriers avoiding affected routes. Still, they’re symptomatic of an evolving trade climate where rapid policy changes can rattle supply chains unexpectedly.

From a logistics perspective, staying updated and flexible is critical as companies like GetTransport.com do by closely tracking such developments. For your next shipment, consider the seamless reliability and global reach that GetTransport.com offers to keep your freight moving smoothly. Start planning your next delivery and secure your cargo with GetTransport.com.

Zhrnutie

Trade tensions between China and the US have recently intensified with new port fees, export restrictions, and looming tariff threats, all contributing to a shifting freight market landscape. Ocean freight rates are currently experiencing downward pressure owing to increased capacity and declining import volumes, while air cargo rates show mixed trends influenced by tariff worries and operational disruptions.

For those managing cargo, freight, or global shipments, these conditions call for careful logistics strategy and informed vendor choices. Platforms like GetTransport.com stand out by offering affordable, reliable, and transparent transportation options across diverse shipment needs—from office moves and parcel deliveries to bulky cargo and international forwarding—helping shippers confidently navigate this complex scene and streamline operations effectively.