By interlink | 27/03/2025

US Tightens Tariffs: Directly Affects Only 1.5% of Global Shipping, But Risks Remain.

According to Clarksons Research, although US tariffs are attracting significant attention, they currently only directly impact 1.5% of global shipping traffic. While this figure may seem modest, the risk of escalation remains, potentially altering trade policy and reshaping the international shipping network in the future.

Mỹ siết chặt thuế quan: Ảnh hưởng trực tiếp chỉ 1,5% vận tải biển toàn cầu nhưng rủi ro vẫn rình rập

The Actual Impact of US Tariffs on Shipping

Data from Clarksons Research shows that during the 2018-2019 trade war, the volume of goods transported (in ton-miles) decreased by only 0.5%. This reflects that, although US tariff policies have had some impact, they are not large enough to comprehensively disrupt global supply chains.

However, experts warn that US trade policy remains highly volatile. If tensions escalate, the indirect impact could increase, putting pressure on global supply chains and driving up shipping costs.

US Investigates China’s Dominance in the Maritime Industry

This week, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) will hold public hearings on March 24 and 26, 2025, to review its Section 301 investigation into China’s dominance in the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. If the investigation concludes that China is engaging in unfair competition, the U.S. could impose new sanctions, including:

  • Imposing port duties on ships built in China when they dock at U.S. ports.
  • Requiring U.S. exporters to ship a certain percentage of their goods on ships owned and operated by the U.S.

These measures could significantly alter the flow of maritime transport between the US and China, impacting the costs and logistics strategies of many international businesses.

The Uncertain Future of US Tariff Policy

According to Judah Levine, head of research at Freightos, the outlook for US tariff policy remains highly uncertain. He predicts that the US could:

  • Significantly increase tariffs on Chinese goods.
  • Face retaliatory measures from other countries.
  • Propose new port fees targeting Chinese ships and carriers.
  • Restore the 25% tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico, expected to be announced in early April.

Peter Sand, an analyst from Xeneta, believes that these uncertainties will force businesses to recalculate their import strategies. They will seek ways to optimize transportation costs through freight negotiations or supply chain adjustments to avoid increased tariffs and fees.

In summary

Although US tariffs currently only impact a small fraction of global shipping, changes in trade policy could create a domino effect, affecting entire international supply chains. In this context, businesses need to closely monitor policy developments and have flexible strategies to mitigate risks.

NEWS & BLOG

RELATED ARTICLES

10/09/2026 By interlink

INTERLINK COMPLETES BOILER SYSTEM TRANSPORTATION PROJECT FROM CHINA TO MY XUAN A INDUSTRIAL PARK

In project logistics, transporting large-scale industrial equipment with complex structures requires more than simply moving cargo from one location to another. It requires careful planning, appropriate transportation solutions, strict cargo securing procedures, and close coordination throughout the entire logistics process. Interlink has recently completed the transportation of a steel boiler system from China to My […]

Read more
09/09/2026 By interlink

286 DAYS AT SEA: US AIRCRAFT CARRIER SHOWS SIGNS OF AN ARDUOUS JOURNEY

After 286 consecutive days at sea, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln arrived at Laem Chabang Port in Thailand on September 2. Images taken after its arrival showed large areas of rust and marine growth around the ship’s waterline, providing visible evidence of the long period the vessel spent operating at sea. USS Abraham […]

Read more
07/09/2026 By interlink

218,000 BARRELS/DAY AT RISK OF SHORTAGE: MARINE FUEL SUPPLIES COME UNDER PRESSURE

The global marine fuel market is facing a potential supply shortage in Q3 2026 as refineries come under pressure from prolonged geopolitical conflicts and supply disruptions. According to Reuters, the shortfall in fuel oil used by ships and power plants could reach 218,000 barrels per day, a sharp increase from just around 6,000 barrels per […]

Read more
05/09/2026 By interlink

7 EXPORT PRODUCTS EXCEEDING USD 10 BILLION IN THE FIRST 8 MONTHS OF 2026

In the first eight months of 2026, seven major Vietnamese export product groups recorded export values exceeding USD 10 billion, reaffirming the strong momentum of Vietnam’s exports and the growing position of Vietnamese products in international markets. Leading the way was Computers, Electronic Products and Components, with an export value of USD 101.059 billion, accounting […]

Read more
04/09/2026 By interlink

AFTER SEPTEMBER 2: HOW ARE FUEL PRICE FLUCTUATIONS AFFECTING LOGISTICS AND FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION?

Following the September 2 holiday, fuel prices in Vietnam have continued to attract attention from the transportation and logistics industry. While gasoline prices have increased, diesel prices have moved in the opposite direction, creating different impacts across the freight transportation sector. For transportation companies, fuel is one of the largest operating expenses, particularly for road […]

Read more
03/09/2026 By interlink

VIETNAM HAS A 150,000-HECTARE BAY – THE “FORGOTTEN PARADISE” ATTRACTING MORE THAN VND 65 TRILLION IN INVESTMENT

Did you know that Vietnam is home to a bay spanning up to 150,000 hectares, featuring exceptional natural landscapes and enormous potential for marine economic development? Once described as a “forgotten paradise,” this area is gradually being revitalized as it attracts more than VND 65 trillion in investment. Beyond its tourism value, the bay also […]

Read more
12/08/2026 By interlink

VIETNAM – UK: STRENGTHENING COOPERATION IN AI, FINTECH AND LOGISTICS

The Vietnam–UK High-Level Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Financial Technology, Commodity Derivatives Markets and Logistics highlighted new opportunities for cooperation in sectors that are increasingly shaping economic growth and global integration. Logistics was identified as a key link in the global supply chain. The integration of technology, data and modern financial solutions is creating new opportunities […]

Read more
11/08/2026 By interlink

NEARLY 1 MILLION TONS OF CASHEWS FROM CAMBODIA ENTER VIETNAM: A KEY LINK IN THE GLOBAL EXPORT SUPPLY CHAIN

Vietnam continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s major cashew processing and export hubs. Notably, a significant share of the raw materials used by the industry comes from abroad, with Cambodia emerging as Vietnam’s most important source of supply. According to data from the first seven months of 2026: • Vietnam’s cashew […]

Read more
03/07/2026 By interlink

INTERLINK PARTICIPATES IN OLO CONFERENCE 2026

From June 27 to 29, 2026, Interlink was honored to participate in the 10th Global Logistics Cooperation Conference (GLCC 2026) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. OLO CONFERENCE 2026 brought together more than 900 logistics companies from over 70 countries, featuring more than 16,000 business matching sessions, making it one of the largest international logistics […]

Read more
03/07/2026 By interlink

FROM JULY 1, 2026: CUSTOMS DECLARATION ERRORS MAY RESULT IN FINES OF UP TO VND 40 MILLION

Decree No. 169/2026/ND-CP has officially taken effect, replacing Decree No. 128/2020/ND-CP with several important changes to penalties for customs violations. Key points for import and export businesses: The new regulation introduces different penalty levels ranging from VND 1 million to VND 40 million, depending on the nature of the violation: VND 1–2 million: Incorrect declaration […]

Read more

Contact Us

Get Solutions Now

We respond to all requests within 24 hours.

0937 48 18 98

    Full Name *
    Email Address *
    Phone Number *
    Service Type *
    Message *