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What is going to happen with trade tariffs is the current big industry topic. President Trump has repeatedly insisted that tariffs are coming on Canada and Mexico with a February 1st date. Tariffs are a risk, but the Trump administration says it’s looking at the big picture. Multiple economic analyses show that universal tariffs against Canada and Mexico risk more inflation and an economic slowdown. It’s a much larger play than President Trump’s moves against Colombia, which accounts for roughly 0.5% of U.S. imports. By contrast, nearly 30% of all U.S. imports hail from Canada and Mexico, amplifying the risk that tariffs could fuel inflation and undermine Trump’s campaign promises to get prices under control.
After President Trump’s initial plan of 25% tariffs in November, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum suggested Mexico could retaliate with tariffs of its own. Since then, she has been more measured, choosing to emphasize the strong bilateral relationship and willingness to engage in dialogue as the number of detentions at the U.S. – Mexico border plunged.
Top Canadian ministers said last week that Canada was prepared to retaliate if President Trump imposed import taxes, even as Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said they “will continue to work on preventing tariffs.” The working theory in Canada appears to involve being ready for anything that the U.S. president might do.
A lot of changes are to come with the new administration with strong promises of U.S. economic growth. With changes possibly affecting the U.S borders and ports, we urge you to subscribe to the Port X Logistics LLC LinkedIn page for the most up to date news, as well as information on how we can help with solutions for your supply chain – and to get on the list for this weekly Market Update Newsletter and future industry related news sent direct to your inbox email Marketing@portxlogistics.com
Import TEUs are down 9.23% this week from last week – with the highest volumes coming into Long Beach 22.2% Los Angeles at 15.3% and Newark at 14%. Happy Lunar new year! The holiday has started this week so we can expect an upcoming lull of imports from Asia over the next couple weeks.
The official dates for Lunar New Year in China are January 29th to February 4th. For Taiwan the official dates are from January 25th to February 2nd. Lunar New Year factory shutdown doesn’t just take place in China. Taiwan also takes part in the holidays, and factories will shut down for at least 7 days.
During the Lunar New Year celebrations, ports, factories, and shipping companies limit operations, with some even halting activities altogether. This means supply chain disruptions: Increased rates due to limited capacity, longer wait times or lack of availability for containers, increased costs for importers and exporters such as demurrage and detention and worker shortages, leading to delivery delays and less customer service availability. Here is how the holiday timeline plays out in the industry:
January 29 – February 4, 2025 (LNY week) – Peak of LNY celebrations: Almost all factories and many businesses are closed. Ports operate with minimal staff; expect significant delays.
February 5-11, 2025 – Extended holiday period: Some businesses start to reopen, but many workers are still traveling back. Port operations remain slow.
Mid-February 2025 (Post-LNY) – Gradual resumption of work: More factories and businesses begin reopening as employees return to work. Ports start to clear backlogs but still operate below full capacity.
Late February 2025 – Return to full operations: Most factories and businesses are back to full operation. Ports work to clear any remaining backlogs and return to normal efficiency levels.
Early March 2025 onwards – Stabilization period: Operations across businesses and ports have stabilized. Regular shipping schedules resume.
What’s happening at the ports and rails?:
You can find all the information on the below link where we cover port congestion, chassis issues and capacity lead times weekly at all U.S. and Canada Ports and rail heads on our website – click on the link below
CLICK HERE For Port & Rail Updates
Los Angeles/Long Beach: The Port of Los Angeles processed 921,616 20-foot-equivalent units for the month, a 24% increase from the 742,519 handled a year earlier. The entire year was a busy one for the port, as it processed more than 10.3 million TEUs. That’s a nearly 20% increase over 2023 and the second-best year in the port’s history. The Port of Long Beach ended the year with its busiest December on record, as container traffic increased 21.3% to 861,006 containers compared with 709,819 in December 2023. That topped the previous record set in 2020 by 5.5% and marked the seventh consecutive month of year-over-year cargo increases. The entire year was its busiest ever, as was its Q4. In 2024, the port processed 9.6 million TEUs. Record volumes call for the best in the west – Our assets, and real-time tracking services in LA and Long Beach ensure reliable drayage, transloading, and trucking solutions. Contact the team at letsgetrolling@portxlogistics.com to get you first in line and avoid all potential disruptions and with a “No Demurrage Guarantee”– ask about it today!
Chicago: The new appointment system at Norfolk Southern Landers is in effect, many carriers reporting issues with the system for pickups and empty returns our Chicago team has reported that their drivers have had success getting reservations and currently smooth sailing – Our Chicago asset drayage team has full capacity to get your Chicago containers moving – we have 80 trucks and secured yard space and we are able to obtain special permits to haul heavy containers. For Chicago drayage capacity and supreme customer service contact Danny and the team letsgetrolling@portxlogistics.com
Did you know? Port X Logistics has the ability to warehouse and transload freight at key locations across the country, ensuring seamless transitions and quick turnarounds whenever you may need? Our strategically placed network and expansive team keep you covered…no matter what your shipment needs or where it’s headed. Reach out to get connected with our team that does it all letsgetrolling@portxlogistics.com
SONAR Import Data images
