“I’m a movement by myself, but I’m a force when we’re together”…

Port of Houston

1916 words 8 minute read – Let’s do this! 

As Memorial Day approaches, the team at Port X Logistics pauses to honor the courage and sacrifice of the U.S. service members who gave their lives for our freedom. In an industry that thrives on movement, we reflect on the heroes who made it possible for us to live, work, and ship in peace. While operations slow this weekend in remembrance, the freight keeps flowing — and we’re here to keep you informed and prepared. Don’t forget to follow our LinkedIn page to see other company news and industry related topics and to get on the list for this weekly Market Update Newsletter and future industry related news sent directly to your inbox email marketing@portxlogistics.com.

Following last week’s temporary tariff reduction from 145% to 30%, there has been a substantial uptick in cargo bookings from China to the U.S. Reports indicate a 275% week-over-week increase in shipping bookings, as importers rush to capitalize on the temporary relief. Major U.S. retailers including Walmart, and several clothing brands are racing to secure China-made merchandise for the busy summer shopping season starting in late May after Washington and Beijing agreed to temporarily slash tariffs. This surge mirrors the post-lockdown shipping boom of 2020, potentially leading to similar challenges such as port congestion and increased freight rates. Understanding past disruptions can help businesses better prepare for and navigate the complexities of the current shipping landscape.

The 90-day pause has stirred movement across major ports, especially in Los Angeles, but it hasn’t settled the broader tension. While cargo volumes are climbing and retailers are rushing to restock, the structural problems in global trade—particularly the U.S. trade deficit—remain untouched. Since the tariff relief went into effect, ocean freight bookings from China to the U.S. jumped by 275%. That’s not a subtle shift—it’s a sharp reaction from American importers trying to get ahead of any future disruption. Big-box chains and wholesalers are scrambling to secure inventory, not because they expect a lasting resolution, but because they don’t trust that one is coming. At the Port of Los Angeles, shipping activity has picked up rapidly. Port officials noted an influx of high-volume shipments, especially consumer electronics, home goods, and food-related imports. There’s a clear push to rebuild inventory for summer and fall retail seasons—yet the timeline is tight. Before the pause, Container bookings from China to the U.S. fell nearly 50% in the last week of April, according to data provided to brokerage TD Cowen by container tracking firm Vizion. Several U.S. companies paused orders when President Trump hit Beijing with retaliatory and fentanyl tariffs on April 9th. U.S. businesses largely rely on ocean shipping but that can take between 30 and 60 days for goods to reach the United States from China, depending on the destination and ship size. U.S. retailers and apparel companies typically begin shipping merchandise from China at least two to three months before the summer season starts on Memorial Day.

The pause may have eased the surface-level friction, but it hasn’t done anything to fix the core issue: the U.S. continues to import far more than it exports. The current account deficit remains wide. Even with tariffs temporarily reduced, the imbalance is structural, not seasonal. Instead of addressing the root causes, Washington has leaned on stimulus-style policies and tax incentives. Treasury data suggests the federal deficit could rise to 7–8% of GDP over the next ten years without offsetting measures. Meanwhile, Beijing has held back on opening its markets up in meaningful ways, maintaining tight control over key sectors.

If you’re in manufacturing, retail, or food service – especially sectors relying on imported materials like spices, packaging, or electronics. This pause may feel like a breather. But don’t mistake it for stability.

• Inventory risk is high: Short-term availability is improving, but future pricing remains unpredictable. 

• Shipping capacity is tight: With everyone trying to move product at once, freight delays are likely. 

• Policy shifts are not over: The U.S. government has signaled it may reintroduce steep tariffs if trading partners are deemed “non-cooperative.” 

While the headlines focus on steel and semiconductors, specialty imports like spices are quietly absorbing the pressure. Many spice blends or single-origin ingredients come through China or pass through ports affected by these policies. Even a brief disruption in freight movement or customs processing can impact availability and costs.

This tariff pause is just that—a pause. It’s not a new agreement or a reset. It’s a temporary measure, and businesses should plan accordingly.

• Talk to your suppliers now about Q3 and Q4 needs. 

• Watch for July updates—the 90-day window closes in August. 

• Diversified sourcing Let Port X Logistics help lead the way!

U.S. Importers are now preparing for a surge in cargo that could lead to higher shipping rates and consumer costs. Uncertainty means higher costs – Shipping rates are already rising. The World Container Index from supply chain firm Drewry showed that rates for the week ending May 15th were up 8% from the prior week. The report also showed that rates for freight shipping from Shanghai to New York jumped by 19% and rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles increased by 16%. The increase is a rebound for volumes that dipped at the beginning of the month as the 145% tariff on Chinese goods slowed demand. Despite the rush to deliver goods to the U.S., freight rates have not yet spiked. The spot rate to send a 40-foot container from China to the U.S. West Coast rose 3% week-on-week to $2,395 on May 19th, data from freight booking and payments platform Freightos shows, indicating that businesses were not swamping shippers with bookings.