The effect of the tariff war ceasefire.

Following the escalation of the U.S.-China tariff conflict, U.S. freight booking demand for shipments from mainland China has surged nearly 300%, according to logistics tracking platform Vizion. Ben Tracy, Vice President of Vizion, noted that by May 14, the seven-day average for bookings had increased 277% compared to May 5, rising from 5,709 to 15,300 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

This surge follows earlier announcements by the Biden administration to reduce tariffs on certain Chinese imports. However, prior to the May 12 declaration of more aggressive tariff measures, many exporters had slowed shipments in anticipation of policy changes. With the new tariffs on Chinese imports dropping from 145% to 30%, and Chinese retaliatory tariffs on American goods decreasing from 125% to 10%, booking volumes have quickly rebounded.

Industry experts such as Cui Fan have observed that the conclusion of temporary agreements has prompted a clear recovery in freight demand. German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd also reported a 50% increase in booking volumes on U.S.-bound routes compared to early May.

Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd, confirmed that the volume of bookings between China and the United States is continuing to climb rapidly, indicating a rush to ship goods ahead of potential policy shifts—a pattern often seen in periods of tariff uncertainty.

***Photo Referenece: https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20180831001933-260408?chdtv ***