Weekly Freight Report: January 30, 2026

This week’s developments span continents and industries, with trade policy shifts shaking up everything from semiconductor supply chains to aircraft certification. As the EU and India finalize a historic deal covering 2 billion people, tensions between the U.S. and its closest trading partners continue to escalate.

Meanwhile, all eyes remain on the Supreme Court, where a ruling on the legality of Trump’s tariffs could reshape trade policy entirely. And in the maritime sector, carriers continue sending mixed signals on returning to the Red Sea while trans-Pacific rates hold steady.

Dive into the full update to see how these moves could reshape your sourcing, costs, and shipping strategy.

EU and India Conclude Landmark Free Trade Agreement

The EU and India finalized a sweeping trade deal covering 2 billion people and nearly a quarter of global GDP. Tariffs will be eliminated or reduced on over 96% of EU goods exports, saving up to €4 billion annually in duties.

Chinese Company Will Give Up Panama Canal Ports After Court Ruling

Panama’s Supreme Court ruled that CK Hutchison’s concession to operate ports at Cristobal and Balboa was unconstitutional. Maersk’s local subsidiary will temporarily operate the terminals until a new concession is awarded.

Trump Threatens 50% Tariff on Canadian Aircraft

President Trump announced he’s decertifying all Canada-made aircraft and threatened 50% tariffs until American Gulfstreams are certified in Canada. The move could disrupt regional airlines that rely on Bombardier CRJ jets.

Trump Raises South Korea Tariffs to 25%

The president increased tariffs on South Korean goods from 15% to 25%, citing the legislature’s failure to ratify last year’s trade deal. Autos, lumber, and pharmaceuticals are all affected.

Shippers Shoulder Burden of Red Sea Uncertainty

Carriers continue sending mixed signals on Red Sea routing, with CMA CGM recently pulling back on Suez transits just days after Maersk confirmed its first structural return. Shippers face ongoing unpredictability on Asia-Europe schedules.

Trans-Pacific Container Rates Stable Amid Trade Turmoil

Ocean rates from Asia to the U.S. held steady last week, with reports of carriers starting to offer discounts as retailers exercise caution given trade war uncertainty. Asia-West Coast rates remain at $2,675 per FEU.

Chipmakers Have Mixed Reactions to Trump's 25% AI Chip Tariff

Nvidia supported the administration’s tariff on certain AI semiconductors, while TSMC and Intel declined to comment. A $250 billion US-Taiwan semiconductor deal was struck to boost domestic chip production.

Supreme Court Tariff Ruling Timeline Looks Typical Despite Urgency

Nearly three months after arguments, the Supreme Court has yet to rule on the legality of Trump’s tariffs. Several justices expressed skepticism during November hearings, and a decision could come as late as June.

Weekly Freight Report: January 30, 2026

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