The global shipping and logistics industry continues to evolve as President Trump temporarily lowered tariffs to 10% on most U.S. imports — except for China, which now faces a steep 125% rate, further complicating trade dynamics. At the same time, South Korea’s HD Hyundai is making moves to expand its role in U.S. shipbuilding, signing key defense agreements that could reshape American maritime manufacturing. Meanwhile, the European Union has opted to delay its retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods by 90 days, aligning with Trump’s temporary tariff pause in hopes of fostering productive trade talks. However, in the short term, container shipping rates have spiked as importers rush to beat potential tariff hikes, adding volatility to supply chains. In addition, the U.S. is signaling a strategic pivot toward the Panama Canal, strengthening ties with Panama to counter growing Chinese influence in the region. Adding to trade tensions, the U.S. has also threatened retaliation against a proposed international carbon tax on ocean shipping, arguing it would unfairly burden American carriers. These mounting challenges come just as new tariffs threaten to reverse what had been a strong start to 2025 for ocean carriers, potentially slowing volumes and driving overcapacity. Finally, cross-border trucking activity has surged, particularly at the Laredo, Texas, port of entry, as shippers rush to move goods ahead of looming tariffs, leading to increased congestion at one of the busiest trade gateways.
Weekly Freight Report: April 10, 2025
April 10th, 2025
Trump Temporarily Drops Tariffs to 10%, Except on China
President Donald Trump announced a 90-day reduction of tariffs to 10% on imports from most countries, while simultaneously increasing tariffs on Chinese imports to 125%, aiming to address perceived unfair trade practices.
HD Hyundai Signs Two Major U.S. Defense MOUs, Signaling Korean Push into American Shipbuilding
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries signed agreements with Fairbanks Morse Defense and Huntington Ingalls Industries to expand its role in U.S. military and commercial shipbuilding amid rising concerns over China’s influence.
EU Delays US Tariff Countermeasures by 90 Days
The European Union has delayed its planned retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods by 90 days, matching President Trump’s tariff pause in hopes of reaching a trade agreement.
Container Rates See Uptick as Tariffs Shock Supply Chain
Container shipping rates have spiked as shippers rush to move goods ahead of new U.S. tariffs, though experts warn the surge may be short-lived as higher duties threaten to slow future trade.
Trump, Hegseth Signal Panama Canal Pivot
The U.S. is strengthening security ties with Panama and signaling efforts to curb Chinese influence over the Panama Canal, while respecting Panama’s sovereignty.
US Threatens Retaliation Over Carbon Tax on Ocean Shipping
The U.S. is threatening retaliatory measures over a proposed international carbon tax on ocean shipping, arguing it would unfairly burden American carriers and fuel global inflation.
US Tariffs Could Help Undo Solid Start to 2025 for Ocean Carriers
The Journal of Commerce reports that while ocean carriers experienced strong demand and high rates in early 2025, the introduction of new U.S. tariffs is expected to slow volumes and contribute to overcapacity, potentially undermining these initial gains.
Tariff Threats Cause Surge, Uncertainty for Border Trucking
In March 2025, cross-border trucking activity at the Laredo, Texas, port of entry surged by 48.5% year-over-year as shippers accelerated imports ahead of anticipated tariffs, leading to increased congestion and uncertainty for carriers.
