Overview

• The US imposed 145% tariffs on Chinese imports, with China retaliating with 125% duties on American goods, severely impacting trade flows.
• Shipping volumes at major US ports, including Los Angeles, are down significantly, with a 35% reduction in imports expected this week alone.
• Chinese exporters are increasingly using transshipment through countries like Malaysia and South Korea to evade US tariffs, raising enforcement challenges.
• Retailers warn of potential shortages within weeks, as inventories dwindle and restocking is delayed due to high tariffs and logistical bottlenecks.
• Job losses are mounting in logistics and transportation sectors, with trucking and dockworker positions at risk due to plummeting cargo volumes.