This week, U.S. trade tensions escalated as President Trump announced reciprocal tariffs, raising concerns over inflation and trade wars. Brazil signaled openness to trade quotas as an alternative to new U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs. The Port of Brunswick surpassed Baltimore as the top U.S. automobile port, aided by infrastructure investments and last year’s bridge collapse. Spot truckload freight volumes rose in January amid tariff uncertainty and winter storms, while Trump’s delayed revocation of the de minimis rule threatened e-commerce supply chains. Meanwhile, California braced for flooding in wildfire-scarred areas, and the Pacific Northwest faced a severe ice storm. Read the full articles below.
Weekly Freight Report: February 14, 2025
February 14th, 2025
Trump Says He’ll Sign Reciprocal Tariffs Today
President Trump announced he will sign an order implementing reciprocal tariffs, matching U.S. import taxes to those of other countries, a move that could trigger global trade tensions, fuel inflation, and strain relations with key trading partners like China, Canada, and Mexico.
California’s Burn Scars Brace for Flooding as Freezing Rain and Snow Head for Oregon
California is bracing for heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds as an atmospheric river approaches, prompting officials to issue evacuation warnings in wildfire-scarred areas, while the Pacific Northwest and Eastern U.S. are dealing with snow, ice storms, power outages, and travel disruptions.
Tariffs on Canadian Metals a ‘Gut Punch’ to Workers
The International Association of Machinists condemned President Trump’s plan to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum, warning it would harm workers, raise consumer prices, disrupt supply chains, and threaten North American manufacturing jobs.
Uncertainty Looms Despite a Steady January for Truckload Freight
Spot truckload freight volumes rose in January as shippers replenished inventories, prepared for potential tariffs, and navigated winter weather, with slight increases in spot rates and fuel costs impacting market dynamics, according to DAT Freight & Analytics.
U.S. Faces De Minimis Dilemma as Supply Chains Brace for Impact
President Trump’s attempt to revoke the U.S. de minimis rule for Chinese imports, which allows duty-free entry for shipments under $800, has sparked concerns over supply chain disruptions, increased costs, and logistical challenges, with experts warning that sudden changes could overwhelm customs processing and burden consumers and businesses alike.
A Georgia Seaport Becomes the Largest U.S. Automobile Port, Surpassing Baltimore
The Port of Brunswick became the top U.S. automobile port in 2024, surpassing Baltimore after a bridge collapse disrupted its operations, with Georgia officials crediting recent infrastructure investments for attracting more auto and heavy equipment shipments.
Brazil Sees Quotas as ‘Good Solution’ to Trump’s Steel Tariffs
Brazil is open to negotiating trade quotas as an alternative to President Trump’s new steel and aluminum tariffs, with Vice President Geraldo Alckmin emphasizing dialogue and past quota agreements as a potential solution to avoid trade tensions.
