A short-term reprieve with long-term implications for international trade
In a much-needed boost for global logistics, the United States and China have agreed to a 90-day reduction in trade tariffs, easing tensions and offering temporary relief to the strained international shipping industry. Under the deal, U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods will drop from 145% to 30%, while China will reduce tariffs on American exports from 125% to 10%.
For global carriers, this means one thing: opportunity.
Shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd responded positively to the announcement, noting that the eased tariffs could prompt a significant uptick in transpacific freight volumes. The German operator had previously considered cutting capacity by deploying smaller vessels due to sluggish demand, but this change may now reverse that strategy.
“We’ve seen how sensitive cargo volumes are to tariffs,” said Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd. “Even a temporary reprieve like this can reshape our planning models and customer commitments almost overnight.”
The timing couldn’t be better. The tariff reduction coincides with the run-up to peak shipping season—August through October—when U.S. retailers rush to stock up for major holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Industry analysts suggest this window will likely lead to a shipping surge, driving up freight rates and placing added pressure on port infrastructure and carrier schedules.
Shipping heavyweight Maersk also welcomed the move, calling it “a step in the right direction” toward restoring long-term trade stability. The Danish company has pledged to support clients in optimising their logistics strategies to take advantage of the 90-day window.
While the current 30% tariff on Chinese goods remains significantly above pre-trade war levels, the reduction signals possible progress in ongoing negotiations between Washington and Beijing. Many in the shipping sector are cautiously optimistic that this pause might lay the groundwork for a broader trade resolution.
Nevertheless, experts caution that businesses should not treat this as a return to normalcy. The short timeline and political volatility mean companies must act quickly and strategically to maximise their gains.
As the shipping industry pivots to respond, the consensus is clear: this is a chance to recalibrate, but the bigger question remains—what comes after the 90 days?
“Even a temporary reprieve like this can reshape our planning models and customer commitments almost overnight.”
— Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO, Hapag-Lloyd
As the shipping industry pivots to respond, the consensus is clear: this is a chance to recalibrate, but the bigger question remains—what comes after the 90 days?
