This week, the U.S. is moving forward with proposed fees on Chinese-built cargo ships, sparking concerns of skyrocketing shipping costs and reduced competitiveness for American exporters. Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine agreed to a partial ceasefire in the Black Sea, focusing on safe navigation and halting attacks on energy infrastructure. Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. announced layoffs of over 1,200 workers due to weak automotive production and U.S. tariffs, while India is considering reducing tariffs on U.S. imports to protect its $66 billion in exports. The Inland Port Greer expansion aims to boost South Carolina’s supply chain strength amid growing demand. Orderful’s 2025 Carrier Performance Trends report highlights recovery signs in the trucking industry, though seasonal volatility and market concentration remain significant challenges. Read the full articles below.
Weekly Freight Report: March 28, 2025
March 28th, 2025
The U.S. Is Not Prepared To Win An Economic War Against China-Built Containerships, Farmers, Ocean Carriers Warn
U.S. farmers and global ocean carriers warn that proposed fees on Chinese-built containerships calling at U.S. ports could drastically increase shipping costs, harm agricultural exports, and cause economic disruptions, while failing to effectively boost U.S. shipbuilding.
U.S. Says Russia And Ukraine Agree To Ceasefire In The Black Sea
The U.S. announced a partial ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea aimed at ensuring safe navigation and preventing military use of commercial shipping, with both countries agreeing to work with the U.S. on implementing a ban on attacks against energy infrastructure.
US, Canadian Steelworkers Hit With Layoffs Amid Tariff Uncertainty
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is laying off over 1,200 steel and mine workers in Michigan and Minnesota due to weak automotive production and U.S. tariffs, while Canada’s steel industry faces similar job losses as the Trump administration’s trade policies threaten North American steel markets.
India Considers Tariff Reductions On U.S. Imports Amid Trade Negotiations
India is considering reducing tariffs on over half of U.S. imports worth $23 billion to mitigate the impact of impending U.S. reciprocal tariffs, aiming to protect its $66 billion in exports to the U.S. while negotiating favorable terms on non-essential goods.
Trade Groups, Businesses Speak To Both Sides Of Proposed U.S. Port Fees
Proposed U.S. port fees on Chinese-built cargo ships could severely impact U.S. industries, increasing shipping costs by up to 500% for exports to Europe and making American products less competitive globally, while smaller carriers face even greater financial strain.
Trucking Industry Shows Recovery Signals But Faces Seasonal Volatility, Report Says
Orderful’s 2025 Carrier Performance Trends report highlights a trucking industry showing signs of recovery despite seasonal volatility, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, technology use, and long-term partnerships to navigate shifting demand patterns and market concentration.
Inland Port Greer Expansion Boosts South Carolina’s Supply Chain Strength
The expansion of Inland Port Greer, fueled by a $25 million BUILD grant and partnerships with Norfolk Southern and BMW, aims to enhance cargo movement between the Port of Charleston and inland markets, supporting South Carolina’s $44 billion economic impact and over 132,000 jobs annually.
