90 days of stability in the world’s busiest trade corridor
The United States and China have agreed to extend their current trade truce for another 90 days - until 10 November 2025 - avoiding a tariff escalation that could have sent shockwaves through global supply chains.
For this period, US tariffs on Chinese imports will remain at 30%, while most US goods entering China will face a 10% duty.
From a logistics standpoint, this means:
Ocean freight stability: The majority of goods between the US and China travel in containers across the Pacific. Stable tariffs allow carriers to maintain current rate structures and importers to schedule sailings without last-minute contract renegotiations.
Asian port volumes: Major hubs like Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong avoid an immediate drop in throughput caused by reduced demand from costlier goods.
Alternative sourcing: In case of a trade war escalation, companies often shift production to Vietnam, Malaysia, or Mexico. The truce provides breathing space to make such decisions strategically rather than reactively.
Earlier this year, Washington threatened to raise tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%, with Beijing ready to retaliate with duties of up to 125% on US exports. Such a move would have caused a customs “shock” for the shipping industry - with containers stuck at ports, contracts being re-priced mid-transit, and some orders cancelled altogether.
The US trade deficit with China is currently around $300 billion annually. One of the key discussion points is granting US exporters greater access to the Chinese market. If achieved, this could boost westbound container volumes from the US to China, rebalancing what is now a heavily import-driven trade lane.
For shippers and logistics providers, the 90-day extension is more than a political pause - it’s a planning opportunity:
Lock in freight rates ahead of peak season (August–October) Secure medium-term agreements with carriers Optimise vessel utilisation without sudden tariff disruptions
LOADSTAR actively monitors tariff developments and helps clients adapt their supply chains - from classic trans-Pacific ocean routes to hybrid solutions via Singapore, Busan, or European transshipment hubs.
