The trade relationship between China and the United States has long been a focal point of global economic attention, and tariff adjustments play a crucial role in this dynamic. Since 2025, China-US tariffs have transitioned from intense confrontation to gradual détente. The United States unilaterally imposed significant tariff hikes on Chinese goods, covering various sectors such as semiconductors and new energy. In response, China took countermeasures, escalating economic and trade frictions, which dealt a blow to both bilateral economies and the global supply chain. Amid calls from the international community, after multiple rounds of negotiations, the two sides replaced “unilateral pressure” with “equal dialogue,” paving the way for China-US Tariff Adjustments.

Starting from May 14, 2025, China reduced the additional tariff rates on US goods, suspended certain rates, and terminated some additional measures. The US, on its part, removed some of the tariffs on Chinese goods, amended executive orders, and suspended certain tariffs while maintaining a 10% rate. Additionally, both sides suspended or lifted non-tariff countermeasures, aiming to promote trade normalization and liberalization. These tariff adjustments have had far-reaching implications for international freight, tariff compliance, and more, making them worthy of in-depth exploration.​

I. Background of China-US Tariff Adjustments​

Since April 2025, China-US economic and trade frictions have spiraled upward. The US government continuously increased tariffs on Chinese products. On top of the original 34% “reciprocal tariffs,” the rates were significantly raised to 84% and 125%, with an expanded scope covering multiple key sectors, including semiconductors, new energy, and agriculture. In the face of these unjust moves, China firmly took countermeasures, imposing equivalent tariffs on US agricultural products, energy, and manufactured goods, and initiating non-tariff measures such as export controls on rare earths.​

This intense tariff standoff dealt a heavy blow to the bilateral economies. Bilateral trade volume plummeted due to high tariffs. US companies saw a surge in costs, and consumers faced rising prices. Meanwhile, Chinese export enterprises confronted the severe challenges of losing a large number of orders and the transfer of supply chains.​

Moreover, this tariff war severely undermined the stability of the global supply chain. Take the photovoltaic industry as an example. The US imposed “anti-dumping and countervailing + Section 301” tariffs on Chinese products, resulting in a combined tax rate as high as 109%. This forced Chinese companies to relocate their production capacity to Southeast Asia. However, subsequent US investigations into Southeast Asian countries further exacerbated the chaos in the global supply chain. Under such circumstances, the international community urgently called on China and the US to resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation to prevent the global economy from falling into deeper uncertainty.​

After numerous rounds of communication and negotiation, the two sides finally reached an agreement, agreeing to replace “unilateral pressure” with “equal dialogue.” This shift laid an important political foundation for tariff adjustments.​

II. Impact of China-US Tariff Adjustments on International Freight​

(A) Changes in Freight Volume​

Upon the news of reciprocal tariff cuts between China and the US, the market reacted swiftly and strongly. US companies ramped up their purchases of Chinese goods, stockpiling large quantities. According to specific freight data, container transportation bookings from China to the US skyrocketed by nearly three times. This remarkable change indicates that the reduction in tariffs has significantly stimulated the vitality of bilateral trade. Enterprises have become more optimistic about future market prospects and are actively increasing the volume of goods transported.​

(B) Fluctuations in Freight Rates​

The surge in container bookings directly triggered a spike in freight rates. A seasoned professional with years of experience in the international logistics industry revealed that the competition for container bookings is currently fierce. This supply-demand imbalance has led to a continuous increase in China-US container freight rates, with noticeable price hikes almost every week. Based on the current trend, it is predicted that by early June, freight rates will double compared to the current levels, representing a staggering 177% increase compared to before the high-level China-US trade talks.​

For instance, during the China-US trade war, the freight rate for a 40-foot standard container from China to the US West Coast was approximately ​

2,200.Afterthehigh−leveltradetalks,thispricequicklyroseto3,100. According to professional estimates, it will soar to ​

6,100byearlyJune.Similarly,basedonannouncementsfromvariousshippingcompanies,thefreightratefora40−footcontainerfromChinatotheUSEastCoastisexpectedtoreach7,100 by early June. Before the negotiations, this price was only ​

2,800,andafterthenegotiations,itrangedfrom3,600 to $3,700.​

Furthermore, influenced by the changes in China-US trade situations, freight rates to South America have also witnessed a significant increase of 60% to 70%. The freight rates to the East and West Coasts of South America will reach ​

2,400and2,000, respectively. In the current market environment with extremely tight shipping space and high demand, shipping companies hold the dominant position in freight rate pricing.​

(C) Port Operation Pressure​

The sudden and substantial increase in freight volume has put tremendous pressure on port operations. Some US ports, such as the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, have experienced severe congestion. A large amount of cargo has piled up at the ports, leading to a significant decline in cargo handling and transportation efficiency. Meanwhile, port storage space is also facing severe challenges, and many goods have to wait for an extended period for further transshipment or distribution. This not only increases the time cost of cargo transportation but also raises the risk of cargo damage or loss.​

III. Tariff and Compliance Requirements after China-US Tariff Adjustments​

(A) Interpretation of New Tariff Policies​

Starting from 12:01 PM on May 14, 2025, China made important adjustments to the additional tariff rates on US-origin goods. The rate was lowered from the previous 34% to 10%, and the 24% rate was suspended for 90 days. At the same time, the additional measures stipulated in Announcements No. 5 and No. 6 were terminated. The US also made corresponding commitments, canceling the 91% tariffs on Chinese goods imposed by executive orders on April 8 and 9, amending the executive order on April 2, suspending the 24% tariff for 90 days, and maintaining a 10% rate.​

In addition, China announced the suspension or cancellation of non-tariff countermeasures such as technology export restrictions and investment reviews against the US. The US, in turn, postponed the Section 301 investigations into China’s maritime and logistics sectors. These policy adjustments aim to ease bilateral trade tensions and promote trade normalization and liberalization.​

(B) Key Compliance Points for Enterprises​

1. Accurate Cargo Declaration: When conducting import and export cargo declarations, enterprises must ensure the accuracy of the provided cargo information, including crucial details such as the name, quantity, value, and origin of the goods. Any false or incorrect declarations may lead to cargo detention by customs, fines, or even more severe legal consequences.​

2. Update Certificate of Origin: With the adjustment of tariff policies, the requirements for certificates of origin may also change. Enterprises need to promptly understand and update certificates of origin in accordance with new regulations to ensure that goods can enjoy corresponding tariff preferences. Meanwhile, enterprises should ensure the authenticity and legality of certificates of origin to avoid penalties for using false ones.​

3. Monitor Trade Policy Dynamics: China-US trade policies are constantly evolving. Enterprises should establish an effective information collection and analysis mechanism, closely monitoring the dynamics of trade policies in both countries. Timely understanding the adjustment directions and specific contents of policies enables enterprises to formulate countermeasures in advance and avoid unnecessary losses caused by policy changes.​

4. Strengthen Internal Compliance Management: Enterprises should enhance the construction of internal compliance management systems, formulating sound compliance systems and processes. Strictly control all aspects related to import and export business to ensure that business operations fully comply with the laws and regulations of both China and the US, as well as relevant international trade rules. Additionally, enterprises should strengthen employee training to improve employees’ compliance awareness and professional capabilities.​

IV. Recommendations for International Freight under China-US Tariff Adjustments​

(A) Logistics Strategy Adjustments​

1. Optimize Transportation Mode Combinations: Enterprises should rationally optimize the combination of transportation modes according to the characteristics and requirements of goods. For goods with high timeliness requirements, such as electronic products and fashion items, air transportation can be considered to quickly capture the market. For large-sized and heavy goods like furniture and machinery equipment, sea transportation remains a more cost-effective choice. However, enterprises need to plan in advance and purchase freight insurance to reduce transportation risks. For chemical and auto parts goods, due to their transportation 特殊性，the China-Europe Railway Express can be given priority. Currently, there are special subsidies for railway transportation, which helps reduce enterprises’ transportation costs.​

2. Plan Transportation Routes Reasonably: When selecting transportation routes, enterprises should comprehensively consider various factors such as port congestion, transportation time, and transportation costs. For example, given the current severe congestion at some US ports, enterprises can consider choosing relatively less congested ports as transit or destination ports. Enterprises can also collaborate with logistics providers to jointly develop the optimal transportation route plan, improving transportation efficiency and reducing costs.​

3. Book Shipping Space in Advance: Considering the current booming freight market, the shortage of shipping space may persist for some time. Enterprises should communicate with freight forwarders or shipping companies in advance and book shipping space as early as possible to ensure the timely shipment of goods. Especially before important festivals or peak sales seasons, such as before Christmas, when sea freight rates usually rise, enterprises should make preparations in advance to secure shipping space and avoid cargo backlogs or delivery delays due to insufficient space.​

(B) Supply Chain Optimization​

1. Diversify Supply Chain Layout: To reduce dependence on a single market, enterprises should actively expand the diversification of their supply chain layouts. In addition to the China-US market, efforts can be increased to explore other markets such as ASEAN, the Middle East, and Africa. By establishing production bases, procurement channels, and sales networks in different regions, enterprises can better diversify risks and cope with the uncertainties brought about by trade frictions. For example, China transferred $34 billion worth of orders to Southeast Asia through the RCEP mechanism, with an export substitution rate of 68% for auto parts. Such initiatives help enterprises maintain competitiveness in a complex trade environment.​

2. Strengthen Cooperation with Suppliers: Enterprises should establish closer cooperative relationships with suppliers to jointly address the impacts of tariff adjustments. Through negotiations with suppliers, more favorable purchase prices and payment terms can be obtained, reducing procurement costs. At the same time, enterprises should strengthen the management and supervision of suppliers to ensure that they can provide goods on time, with guaranteed quality and quantity, safeguarding the stable operation of the supply chain.​

3. Establish an Emergency Inventory Mechanism: Considering the uncertainties in the freight market and the potential risks of supply chain disruptions, enterprises can establish an emergency inventory mechanism. Reasonably reserve a certain quantity of key raw materials and finished products to deal with unexpected situations. When establishing emergency inventories, enterprises should comprehensively consider factors such as inventory costs and product shelf lives to ensure the rationality and effectiveness of the inventory.​

(C) Risk Response Measures​

1. Purchase Cargo Insurance: Cargo insurance is an important means for enterprises to transfer transportation risks. Enterprises should select appropriate cargo insurance products according to the value of goods and transportation modes. When purchasing insurance, carefully read the insurance terms to clearly understand the scope of insurance liability and claim settlement conditions. This ensures that enterprises can receive timely compensation from insurance companies in case of cargo loss or damage, minimizing economic losses.​

2. Monitor Exchange Rate Fluctuations: Tariff adjustments may trigger fluctuations in the exchange rate market, which in turn have a significant impact on enterprises’ import and export businesses. Enterprises should closely monitor exchange rate fluctuations and rationally select settlement currencies. Financial instruments such as hedging can be used to lock in exchange rate risks and avoid profit losses caused by exchange rate fluctuations.​

3. Formulate Emergency Response Plans: Enterprises should formulate detailed emergency response plans for various potential risks, such as further tariff hikes, supply chain disruptions, and port strikes. Emergency response plans should include risk early warning mechanisms, response measures, and division of responsibilities. In practice, enterprises should regularly conduct drills and evaluations of emergency response plans to ensure their effectiveness and operability. Once risks occur, enterprises can quickly activate emergency response plans and take effective measures to minimize losses.