Tariff Truce, Rate Tension

The recent 90-day pause in U.S.-China tariffs, reducing duties from 125% to 10%, has introduced both relief and complexity for the trans-Pacific freight market. A new 30% baseline tariff—still higher than pre-2025 levels—hasn’t yet sparked a surge in shipping demand, but analysts expect a rebound as inventory levels shrink and manufacturers race to move goods before tariffs potentially snap back in August. March and April already saw an 11% year-over-year volume increase, with notable shifts to suppliers in Vietnam and Thailand.

Despite a 35% plunge in China-U.S. volumes following the initial tariff spike, ocean container rates have held firm—hovering around $2,300 to the West Coast and $3,400 to the East Coast—thanks to strategic capacity cuts and vessel downsizing. However, as demand rebounds, carriers may struggle to reposition equipment and vessels in time, sparking short-term congestion and rate volatility.

TLC is helping customers stay ahead of these fluctuations by forecasting load timing and securing capacity early. Contact us today to discuss how we’re navigating this tariff window with your freight.

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