U.S. trade with Mexico hit a six-year high in March, totaling $77.3 billion, as auto parts, computers, and trucks fueled an 8% year-to-date surge in bilateral flows. Port Laredo saw a 13% jump in two-way trade, though truck crossings dipped in April. Meanwhile, China-bound container bookings spiked 277% after a temporary tariff pause, but actual vessel volumes remain uneven as carriers like Maersk cut spot rates to fill capacity. On the rail side, Canadian National expects modest volume growth amid tariff uncertainty, leaning on U.S.–Mexico intermodal corridors to offset volatility. Back in Washington, a rollback of steep tariffs on low-value Chinese parcels offers short-term relief to e-commerce shippers like Shein and Temu, though momentum is building in Congress to permanently eliminate the de minimis exemption by 2027. In a rare sign of de-escalation, China has suspended retaliatory sanctions on U.S. firms, adding a fragile layer of optimism to an otherwise complex trade landscape.
Weekly Freight Report: May 16, 2025
May 15th, 2025
US Trade With Mexico Surges to $77B in March
U.S. trade with Mexico surged to $77.3 billion in March—its highest monthly total in six years—driven by strong automotive and electronics imports, with Port Laredo and major air hubs like O’Hare and JFK serving as top trade gateways.
Revised China Tonnage Tax Less Disruptive, Still Costly
The revised U.S. tonnage tax on Chinese-built ships is less disruptive than the original proposal but will still raise shipping costs by about $1 million per voyage, prompting carriers to favor vessels built in South Korea and Japan.
Tariff Two-Step: After Pause, China–US Container Traffic Increases
Container bookings from China to the U.S. surged 277% following a temporary pause in reciprocal tariffs, signaling a swift rebound in demand despite lingering softness in actual vessel departures.
Tariffs Temper Canadian National Outlook
Canadian National projects modest freight growth in 2025 despite tariff headwinds, leaning on cost controls, intermodal expansion, and strategic U.S.–Mexico rail corridors to drive 10–15% EPS gains in a volatile trade environment.
BNSF, UP Prepping for July Cargo Rebound After Tariff-Induced Lull
BNSF and Union Pacific are gearing up for a potential midsummer surge in Chinese imports following a 90-day tariff suspension, implementing proactive strategies to avoid capacity bottlenecks seen in past disruptions.
House Considers Universal De Minimis Ban as Fees on China Parcels Ease
The White House has temporarily lowered tariffs on low-value Chinese parcels, offering short-term relief to e-commerce shippers, while Congress advances legislation to permanently eliminate the de minimis exemption by 2027 amid growing concerns over enforcement, trade imbalances, and illicit goods.
China Suspends Retaliatory US Export Controls, Sanctions
China has suspended retaliatory export controls and sanctions on over a dozen U.S. companies for 90 days, following a mutual tariff pause with the U.S. that sparked investor optimism and lifted financial markets.
