How the U.S.-China Tariff Cuts Triggered a Surge in Shipping Demand

On May 12, the U.S.-China Geneva Trade Talks Joint Statement was released, eliminating 91% of U.S. tariffs and suspending China’s retaliatory 24% "counter-tariffs" for 90 days. Additionally, the White House reduced the de minimis tariff rate from 120% to 54%, significantly lowering trade barriers. This move immediately triggered a flood of orders from U.S. importers and retailers, causing a sharp spike in shipping demand.

Ryan Petersen, CEO of digital freight forwarder Flexport, noted: "Ocean freight orders from China to the U.S. surged by 35% on the first day after the tariff agreement. A massive backlog is coming, and vessel space will sell out fast."

A logistics executive revealed that bookings and inquiries skyrocketed 3-4 times overnight, with staff overwhelmed by non-stop calls. Another U.S.-route manager confirmed that vessel space is nearly fully booked until late May. With Chinese exporters rushing to ship goods, U.S. ports and warehouses may soon face congestion by June-July.

American Buyers Act Fast
In Yiwu, many exporters received large new orders almost immediately. Previously, high tariffs forced U.S. clients to delay shipments, leaving businesses stuck with excess inventory. Now, with at least a 90-day tariff reprieve, buyers are placing urgent orders to restock. Factories are running overtime to meet demand.

Cross-border sellers also saw explosive order growth. One shade equipment seller received a 100,000containerorderovernight.Anotherlong−termU.S.clientplaceda100,000containerorderovernight.Anotherlong−termU.S.clientplaceda150,000 order, taking advantage of tariffs dropping from 153.8% to 38.8%. Buyers are demanding faster production to secure shipping within the 90-day window.

Furniture sellers reported $300,000 in new orders in a single day—equivalent to half a month’s usual sales. Some Amazon sellers, previously holding shipments due to tariffs, are now paying full balances and even opting for air freight to speed up delivery.

Why U.S. Buyers Still Depend on China
Despite tariff fluctuations, American businesses continue relying on Chinese suppliers due to unmatched manufacturing advantages. An Amazon seller admitted: "Even with policy changes, losing supply is costlier than paying tariffs. No other country can match China’s production capacity in the next decade."

The 90-Day Race Against Time
With U.S.-bound shipping capacity already strained, cross-border sellers are scrambling to stock overseas warehouses before potential policy shifts. The Port of Long Beach, once handling 30% fewer shipments due to tariffs, may soon face new congestion.

E-commerce platforms are expanding U.S. buyer outreach and optimizing warehousing networks to help sellers capitalize on this short-term opportunity. The next 90 days could redefine U.S.-China trade dynamics—if businesses move fast enough.