Name: Increased scrutiny on Chinese shipping carriers
Uploaded: May 19, 2025, 9:39 AM EDT
Channel: JOC Team
Description: The Biden administration's intensified scrutiny of Chinese shipbuilding subsidies has led to significant tariff implications for major players like Costco and OTL, who dominate U.S. imports from Asia. As these carriers face escalating tonnage taxes through 2028, they may need to adjust their operations to mitigate higher costs and reduce their reliance on Chinese-built vessels.

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The Biden administration's intensified scrutiny of Chinese shipbuilding subsidies has led to significant tariff implications for major players like Costco and OTL, who dominate U.S. imports from Asia. As these carriers face escalating tonnage taxes through 2028, they may need to adjust their operations to mitigate higher costs and reduce their reliance on Chinese-built vessels.

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>Markets such as high tech and perishables are showing strong growth and, combined with shifting trade patterns in Asia, will help offset the lack of a traditional air peak season this quarter, forwarders say. </p></div>

Markets such as high tech and perishables are showing strong growth and, combined with shifting trade patterns in Asia, will help offset the lack of a traditional air peak season this quarter, forwarders say.

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Trans-Pacific air cargo to be driven by ‘vertical’ markets: forwarders

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>Tender season is a time when shippers traditionally look to switch forwarders, so signing them to new contracts will be the real test of the DSV-DB Schenker integration, DSV CFO Michael Ebbe says.</p></div>

Tender season is a time when shippers traditionally look to switch forwarders, so signing them to new contracts will be the real test of the DSV-DB Schenker integration, DSV CFO Michael Ebbe says.

Rival Kuehne + Nagel circles DSV customers as ocean tender season nears

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>But freighter operators were prepared for the frontloading, and no capacity shortages are being reported on China-US routes, according to Tiaca.</p></div>

But freighter operators were prepared for the frontloading, and no capacity shortages are being reported on China-US routes, according to Tiaca.

China air freight demand, rates surge on new 100% US tariff

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>As production shifts to counter the impact of US tariffs, the diversification of consumer markets will create new growth opportunities for the air freight industry, observers say.</p></div>

As production shifts to counter the impact of US tariffs, the diversification of consumer markets will create new growth opportunities for the air freight industry, observers say.

Post-tariff air freight market diversifies into ‘US-plus one’ strategy: Tiaca

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>Robust international demand was led by the growth on the Asia-Europe trade that IATA attributes to a modal shift from ocean and evolving import rules from Washington that have diverted shipments from the trans-Pacific. </p></div>

Robust international demand was led by the growth on the Asia-Europe trade that IATA attributes to a modal shift from ocean and evolving import rules from Washington that have diverted shipments from the trans-Pacific.

E-commerce, US tariffs drive sharp rise in Asia-Europe air cargo demand

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>US soybean exporters say the Trump administration’s financial bailout of Argentina is “facilitating” that country’s growing threat as a competitor to US growers. </p></div>

US soybean exporters say the Trump administration’s financial bailout of Argentina is “facilitating” that country’s growing threat as a competitor to US growers.

China trade talks give US soybean exporters hope

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>With other low-emissions bunkers such as methanol still in short supply, vessel operators are turning to dual-fuel LNG container ships as a transitional step toward a zero-carbon future by 2050. </p></div>

With other low-emissions bunkers such as methanol still in short supply, vessel operators are turning to dual-fuel LNG container ships as a transitional step toward a zero-carbon future by 2050.

LNG increasingly alternative fuel of choice for container lines

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>Congestion at Rotterdam and other North European ports such as Hamburg has been exacerbated by the increase in breakbulk and project cargo volumes from industrial and energy projects, which leaves ports struggling to cope.</p></div>

Congestion at Rotterdam and other North European ports such as Hamburg has been exacerbated by the increase in breakbulk and project cargo volumes from industrial and energy projects, which leaves ports struggling to cope.

MPV operators adapt to congestion by shifting to alternative ports, digital tools

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>The early estimates coincide with prior forecasts of how much of the new port fees would fall on the two carriers, with their combined fee burden potentially reaching $2 billion in a year’s time should no changes be made to the fee structure.</p></div>

The early estimates coincide with prior forecasts of how much of the new port fees would fall on the two carriers, with their combined fee burden potentially reaching $2 billion in a year’s time should no changes be made to the fee structure.

Cosco, OOCL incurred over $40 million in initial US port fees

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>It would be foolish to extrapolate the road ahead based on one new service, but the fact that MSC brings so many things to bear and can move so quickly implies that others will have to be at the top of their game to compete, writes Jeremy Masters. </p></div>

It would be foolish to extrapolate the road ahead based on one new service, but the fact that MSC brings so many things to bear and can move so quickly implies that others will have to be at the top of their game to compete, writes Jeremy Masters.

MSC flexing its north-south muscle, particularly on US-Africa trade

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>The New Jersey-based carrier believes its vessels should be treated as container ships given that 80% of their cargo is containerized, but a USTR designation that would classify the ships as vehicle carriers means the company faces hefty US port fees.</p></div>

The New Jersey-based carrier believes its vessels should be treated as container ships given that 80% of their cargo is containerized, but a USTR designation that would classify the ships as vehicle carriers means the company faces hefty US port fees.

ACL weighs options after facing annual $35 million USTR port bill

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>The Trump administration’s two nominees to fill open positions on the Federal Maritime Commission say ongoing enforcement of existing law can help bring more efficiency to commercial shipping. </p></div>

The Trump administration’s two nominees to fill open positions on the Federal Maritime Commission say ongoing enforcement of existing law can help bring more efficiency to commercial shipping.

FMC nominees pledge level playing field for US shippers

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>Growth in spot refrigerated (reefer) truck pricing is accelerating, especially for loads originating in Florida and Mexico, amid tougher licensing and immigration enforcement. </p></div>

Growth in spot refrigerated (reefer) truck pricing is accelerating, especially for loads originating in Florida and Mexico, amid tougher licensing and immigration enforcement.

Shrinking capacity pushing up US reefer truck rates

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>The combination of AAA Cooper Transportation, Midwest Motor Express and Dependable Highway Express covers the US LTL market coast-to-coast, except for the Northeast. </p></div>

The combination of AAA Cooper Transportation, Midwest Motor Express and Dependable Highway Express covers the US LTL market coast-to-coast, except for the Northeast.

Knight-Swift combining LTL subsidiaries to form one carrier under ACT brand

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>Union Pacific’s application seeking federal approval to acquire Norfolk Southern will be 4,000 pages long and provide the first detailed look at how the railroads believe customers would benefit from the $85 billion deal.</p></div>

Union Pacific’s application seeking federal approval to acquire Norfolk Southern will be 4,000 pages long and provide the first detailed look at how the railroads believe customers would benefit from the $85 billion deal.

UP CEO pushing to file formal NS merger application by Dec. 1

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>Some of the largest less-than-truckload carriers are announcing non-contract GRIs, but the state of the freight market argues against substantial rate increases.</p></div>

Some of the largest less-than-truckload carriers are announcing non-contract GRIs, but the state of the freight market argues against substantial rate increases.

LTL carriers push general rate hikes despite lackluster US freight demand

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>One possible explanation for the gain is the softer volumes that were artificially suppressed and shifted in August and September of 2024 due to separate labor-related events, but clarity should come over the next week when market players report third-quarter earnings.</p></div>

One possible explanation for the gain is the softer volumes that were artificially suppressed and shifted in August and September of 2024 due to separate labor-related events, but clarity should come over the next week when market players report third-quarter earnings.

September domestic intermodal volumes show unexpected boost: IANA

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>Adam Roth, executive vice president at NAI Hiffman, discusses what he sees on the horizon for 2026, sourcing pattern changes, and how insurance will come into play.</p></div>

Adam Roth, executive vice president at NAI Hiffman, discusses what he sees on the horizon for 2026, sourcing pattern changes, and how insurance will come into play.

<div class="phx-topic"><p>The industrial real estate business must shift alongside the trade and transportation industry to account for uncertainties, tariff-related disruption and working with customer needs. Adam Roth, executive vice president at NAI Hiffman, discusses what he sees on the horizon for 2026, sourcing pattern changes, and how insurance will come into play.</p><p><i>Inland26, Chicago, Illinois</i></p><p></p><div class="wrapper-narrow"><dynamic-object type="brightcove" resource-id="6383581203112"></dynamic-object></div></div>

The industrial real estate business must shift alongside the trade and transportation industry to account for uncertainties, tariff-related disruption and working with customer needs. Adam Roth, executive vice president at NAI Hiffman, discusses what he sees on the horizon for 2026, sourcing pattern changes, and how insurance will come into play. Inland26, Chicago, Illinois

Building flexibility

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>Kathryn Dean, head of growth at HappyRobot, delves into the many layers of AI; how “AI workers” can provide organizations with speed, accuracy and real-time data; and what she envisions for the AI space in the near future.</p></div>

Kathryn Dean, head of growth at HappyRobot, delves into the many layers of AI; how “AI workers” can provide organizations with speed, accuracy and real-time data; and what she envisions for the AI space in the near future.

<div class="phx-topic"><p>Machine learning and “traditional” AI has historically focused on structured data, whereas large language models and generative AI have allowed for more unstructured data, like emails and conversations, to be translated and automated. Kathryn Dean, head of growth at HappyRobot, delves into the many layers of AI; how “AI workers” can provide organizations with speed, accuracy and real-time data; and what she envisions for the AI space in the near future.</p><p><i>Inland25, Chicago, Illinois</i></p><p></p><div class="wrapper-narrow"><dynamic-object type="brightcove" resource-id="6383578606112"></dynamic-object></div></div>

Machine learning and “traditional” AI has historically focused on structured data, whereas large language models and generative AI have allowed for more unstructured data, like emails and conversations, to be translated and automated. Kathryn Dean, head of growth at HappyRobot, delves into the many layers of AI; how “AI workers” can provide organizations with speed, accuracy and real-time data; and what she envisions for the AI space in the near future. Inland25, Chicago, Illinois

Foundational automation

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>Paul Bingham from S&amp;P Global Market Intelligence discusses how unexpected policy changes and tariffs have disrupted the economy, leading to unpredictable consumer behavior and weaker performance in 2025, stressing the need for scenario planning and contingency strategies.</p></div>

Paul Bingham from S&P Global Market Intelligence discusses how unexpected policy changes and tariffs have disrupted the economy, leading to unpredictable consumer behavior and weaker performance in 2025, stressing the need for scenario planning and contingency strategies.

<div class="phx-topic"><p>Paul Bingham, S&amp;P Global Market Intelligence, discusses the significant disruptions in the economy caused by unexpected policy changes and tariffs, which have led to unpredictable consumer behavior and a weaker economic performance than anticipated in 2025. Paul emphasizes the importance of scenario planning and having contingency strategies in place for businesses to navigate the ongoing uncertainty and potential future challenges in the supply chain.</p><p>Inland25, Chicago, Illinois</p><p></p><div class="wrapper-narrow"><dynamic-object type="brightcove" resource-id="6382794574112"></dynamic-object></div></div>

Paul Bingham, S&P Global Market Intelligence, discusses the significant disruptions in the economy caused by unexpected policy changes and tariffs, which have led to unpredictable consumer behavior and a weaker economic performance than anticipated in 2025. Paul emphasizes the importance of scenario planning and having contingency strategies in place for businesses to navigate the ongoing uncertainty and potential future challenges in the supply chain. Inland25, Chicago, Illinois

The importance of scenario planning and contingency strategies | Live at Inland

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Video

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>Mark Szakonyi, Executive Editor, Journal of Commerce by S&amp;P Global, discusses tonnage and taxes for Chinese vessels.</p></div>

Mark Szakonyi, Executive Editor, Journal of Commerce by S&P Global, discusses tonnage and taxes for Chinese vessels.

<div class="phx-topic"><p>The Biden administration's intensified scrutiny of Chinese shipbuilding subsidies has led to significant tariff implications for major players like Costco and OTL, who dominate U.S. imports from Asia. As these carriers face escalating tonnage taxes through 2028, they may need to adjust their operations to mitigate higher costs and reduce their reliance on Chinese-built vessels.</p><p></p><div class="wrapper-narrow"><dynamic-object type="brightcove" resource-id="6372796699112"></dynamic-object></div></div>

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