Early Transpacific Peak Season Begins Amid Tariff Rollback and Trade Volatility

14 Avr Early Transpacific Peak Season Begins Amid Tariff Rollback and Trade Volatility

The transpacific container trade is entering an early peak season following President Trump’s recent 90-day tariff rollback on electronic consumer goods. The move, which delays the implementation of reciprocal tariffs until July 9 while maintaining a base rate of 10% and increasing tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%, has triggered a sharp spike in ex-Asia bookings.

According to analysts at Sea-Intelligence, shippers in countries like Taiwan and Malaysia are racing to capitalize on the temporary window to ship goods to the U.S. before the tariff hike deadline. “All U.S. importers getting cargo from anywhere but China are sure to fast-track volume in the next three months,” said Sea-Intelligence CEO Alan Murphy. “In other words, a boom and an early peak season into the U.S. will start right now.”

However, while non-Chinese shipments are surging, bookings from China have collapsed in response to the 145% tariff, creating an uneven and unpredictable landscape for global trade.

European shippers have not been spared. With a flat 10% tariff now applied to U.S.-bound goods, carriers are introducing new Peak Season Surcharges (PSSs). MSC, for example, will add surcharges of $800 per TEU and $1,000 per 40ft container on shipments from North Europe to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico starting May 13. Similar surcharges from Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM are scheduled for early May from regions including Greece, Turkey, and the Indian subcontinent.

This volatile trade environment is expected to complicate annual contract negotiations on the transpacific trade. Mr. Murphy recommends that shippers take a tactical approach: “Ship the cargo when there is a window of low tariffs and build buffer inventory. Ripple effects—such as equipment shortages—are likely to occur in Asia outside of China.”

In light of these developments, agility and short-term strategy will be key for U.S. importers looking to navigate this unpredictable freight market.