Shipping happens—ready or not.
        
        
		
     
          
    
        
    
    
        
        
            The global trade environment is experiencing significant changes, driven by the US president and the changing US trade policies. This article attempts to provide an in-depth analysis of recent tariff updates, trade agreements, and other developments to date.
Changes are being made as I write
        
        
		
     
          
    
        
    
    
        
        
            As we enter the final shipping peak of 2025, several critical developments may affect supply chain planning. These are some of the hot issues in the global ocean market:
 
1. Tariff-Related Front-Loading: Demand is adjusting downward quickly after the front-loading of wave of cargo in
        
        
		
     
          
    
        
    
    
        
        
            Imports and new orders for imports for the US are drying up as we approach the traditional peak season period. For the Transpacific trade, it looks like the peak season may have peaked over the last two months with many importers bringing in inventory from
        
        
		
     
          
    
        
    
    
        
        
            US importers are again caught off guard by new tariffs on shipments already in transit.   This is leaving them scrambling to adjust and absorb new costs or potential losses.
The recent agreement made with Vietnam has added to the confusion, particularly with unclear rules on
        
        
		
     
          
    
        
    
    
        
        
            Where we are with US Tariffs and negotiations
        
        
		
     
          
    
        
    
    
        
        
            Surviving Ocean Freight, Tariffs, and Geopolitics
        
        
		
     
          
    
        
    
    
        
        
            Navigating the Latest Developments in Ocean Freight, Tariffs, and Alliances
        
        
		
     
          
    
        
    
    
        
        
            Smart Ways to Cut Import Costs and Stay Competitive in a Rapidly Changing Trade Environment
        
        
		
     
          
    
        
    
    
        
        
            Cut Tariffs. Split POs. Move Fast. WOWL lets you break one order into many, track every SKU, and stay ahead when supply chains get messy. Less cost. More control. No extra hires.
        
        
		
     
          
    
        
    
    
        
        
            Navigating the Latest Developments in Ocean Freight, Tariffs, and Alliances