The global shipping and logistics industry is facing significant shifts as President Trump announces a 10% baseline tariff on all U.S. imports, with even higher duties targeting specific countries, aiming to combat perceived unfair trade practices. In tandem, the administration plans to eliminate the de minimis exemption for low-cost goods from China and Hong Kong, a move that will heavily impact e-commerce giants like Temu and Shein. Meanwhile, a new 25% tariff on foreign-made vehicles and parts is expected to drive up car prices, creating downstream effects for the automotive supply chain. As a result, manufacturers are scrambling to stockpile inventory ahead of these changes, leading to spikes in demand and potential congestion. Offering a brief reprieve, the Senate has passed a resolution to halt tariffs on Canadian imports, easing trade flows between key North American partners. However, uncertainty persists, as China’s ship sales have plummeted in response to fears over shifting U.S. port policies, underscoring instability in the maritime sector. Lastly, continued declines in Class 8 truck orders point to growing anxiety in freight transportation, with ripple effects likely across the broader logistics ecosystem.
Weekly Freight Report: April 4, 2025
April 3rd, 2025
Trump Drops Tariff Bomb On All U.S. Imports and Higher Reciprocal Rates
On April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a 10% baseline tariff on all U.S. imports, with higher duties targeting major trading partners, aiming to address perceived unfair trade practices.
De Minimis Shipping From China Ending in May, Other Countries at Risk
President Trump has announced that, starting May 2, 2025, the U.S. will eliminate the de minimis exemption for imports from China and Hong Kong, subjecting low-value shipments to applicable duties or a specific fee structure, with plans to extend this policy to other countries once efficient duty collection systems are established.
Auto Tariffs Take Effect, Putting Pressure on New Car Prices
A newly imposed 25% tariff on imported automobiles and parts is expected to raise car prices by as much as $6,000 per vehicle, as the administration pushes to strengthen domestic manufacturing despite widespread concern over consumer affordability.
Liberation Day Triggers Panic Mode for Manufacturers
The launch of President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs—imposing sweeping new import duties up to 49% on goods from key trading partners—has triggered panic among manufacturers bracing for supply chain disruptions, rising costs, and economic uncertainty.
Senate Adopts Resolution to Halt Tariffs on Canadian Imports
The U.S. Senate narrowly passed a bipartisan resolution to end President Trump’s national emergency declaration used to justify tariffs on Canadian imports, signaling rare congressional pushback against his trade policy, though the measure is unlikely to pass the House.
China Ship Sales Collapse as Industry Sweats Over U.S. Port Plan
The prospect of the U.S. imposing port charges exceeding $1 million per call on Chinese-built vessels has led to a significant decline in the sale of such ships, with only four sold in March, as the shipping industry anticipates potential policy changes.
ACT, FTR: Class 8 Net Order Plunge Continues
In March 2025, North American Class 8 truck orders fell to approximately 16,000 units—the lowest in three years—due to uncertainties surrounding tariffs, economic conditions, and regulatory changes, leading to a significant decline in fleet investments.
