The global supply chain stands at another critical juncture as U.S.-China trade tensions force shippers, carriers, brokers, and brands to reassess logistics strategies.
Imports from China fell to $29.4 billion in March 2025, the lowest monthly total since 2021, representing a 1.9% year-over-year decline and a 7% drop from the previous month.1 This decline was driven in large part by the 145% tariffs imposed on Chinese imports and the 125% reciprocal tariffs China levied on U.S. goods3, which sent landed costs through the roof and forced many importers to pause or reroute orders. This also triggered a 42% surge in blank sailings on trans-Pacific east-bound routes compared to March, as carriers aggressively canceled trips to realign capacity with diminished demand.4
However, there’s now a temporary reprieve. As of May 14, 2025, reciprocal duties have been slashed from 125% down to 10% for an initial 90-day pause following an agreement between the U.S. and China.5 While this offers much-needed relief, it also introduces a narrow window in which shippers must move quickly to capitalize on lower rates before the pause expires in mid-August.
Now, carriers are racing to restore service, with new sailings being reinstated and overbooked vessels pushing capacity to its limits through May. Shippers are scrambling to front-load orders during this 90-day window, an effort that’s already driving spot rates higher across ocean freight, drayage, and over-the-road transportation.
These stressors, at least temporarily, could be on hold due to a recent intervention by the U.S. Court of International Trade, which struck down several tariffs imposed by President Trump, including the Liberation Day Tariffs, Canada/Mexico General Tariffs, and the increased 145% China Tariffs. Steel/Aluminum, Auto Parts, and Legacy China Tariffs from 2018 and 2019 are still valid and in effect.6
The court’s ruling was based on an overstep by the Trump administration and its use of The International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This act, which was enacted in 1977, gives the president authority to regulate commerce in response to “unusual and extraordinary threats.” However, in order to utilize these powers, a national emergency must be declared.7 The court found that the emergencies were not suitable to meet IEEPA’s standards and therefore invalidated the legal standing for these tariffs.
Even as brands sprint to determine the best course action, the future of tariffs and trade remains murky. Despite the ruling by the U.S. Court of International Trade, these tariffs will remain in effect as the White House has appealed the ruling, which could see this go all the way to the Supreme Court. The next hearing will be on June 5th.8 As such, the challenge to quickly manufacture and transport inventory now, or at a moment's notice, remains paramount.
While these specific tariffs are currently under review, the White House has other avenues to enact its trade policies, and brands need to be sufficiently prepared for more upheaval and disruptions. The plans shippers institute over the next three months could define their success for the rest of the year and beyond.
Strategic Moves for Shippers During the Reprieve
The current tariff pause presents a narrow but critical window for importers and exporters to shore up resilience, optimize costs, and secure capacity. Here are some strategies that can help your brand stay ahead:
Implement Multi-Sourcing Strategies
The trade war has exposed how depending entirely on a single manufacturing source can become a huge liability for brands. Many importers are shifting to a “China Plus One” strategy, where core production remains in China while secondary suppliers are established in countries like Vietnam, India, or Indonesia. Labor costs in these countries are also cheaper than in China, which can offer significant cost incentives for certain product categories. Businesses can begin by classifying SKUs based on cost sensitivity, then set up contracts with backup suppliers that allow them to adjust volumes when needed.
Evaluate Nearshoring Opportunities
Bringing production closer to end markets can shorten transit times and limit exposure to geopolitical shifts. Mexico and Canada are key options for U.S. brands looking to limit exposure to trans-Pacific shipping delays. However, brands must weigh the tradeoffs between landed costs, lead times, and supplier performance. As nearshoring gains momentum, early adopters are already securing space with reliable partners before capacity tightens further.
Front-Load Imports and Optimize Booking Windows
The drop in tariffs has created a short-term race for ocean space. Carriers are now reporting full capacity through the end of May, and many forwarders are only honoring bookings made several weeks in advance. To avoid missed sailings or premium surcharges, brands importing raw materials, parts, or finished goods are front-loading orders and expanding safety stock levels. Using flexible booking contracts that allow for rescheduling or include rollover rights can also provide some breathing room.
Diversify Port Pairs and Avoid Single-Route Dependence
A single point of entry increases vulnerability. Delays at major U.S. ports can halt cargo for days or weeks. To reduce exposure, consider splitting inbound volumes across multiple ports. Using alternative entry points alongside traditional hubs can offer flexibility should port slowdowns unexpectedly occur. The most prepared brands are working with fulfillment providers who have built-in contingency plans and can reroute shipments instantly.
Align Cross-Border Strategy with Duty Minimization
Managing duty costs is another priority in periods of tariff volatility. Brands are leveraging Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) and bonded warehouses to delay or minimize duties on imported goods. Some brands are routing ocean freight into Mexico or Canada first, then using bonded trucking to move goods into the U.S. as needed.
Tighten Control Over Inbound Lead Times
Visibility has always been a competitive advantage. The recent surge in demand for ocean freight following the tariff pause has only made this clearer. Brands with access to real-time tracking and milestone-level ETAs can respond faster when ocean transit delays occur. Tightening control over inbound lead times starts with full container-level visibility from the port of origin through the last mile of delivery. Top-performing brands are integrating freight visibility data with inventory planning tools to prioritize containers carrying best-selling SKUs or seasonal inventory.
File for IEEPA Refunds
Be prepared to proactively apply for a credit on duties paid if you were affected by the “unconstitutional” tariff actions, depending on the outcomes of the courts. You can consult with your customs broker to understand timing/eligibility. This is time sensitive and should be handled expeditiously if the rulings of the U.S. Court of International Trade is upheld.
Take Action
The current pause gives brands a rare chance to act on these strategies before the next wave of trade disruption hits. Tariffs may be lower for now, but they are not likely to go away. U.S. trade policy remains unpredictable.
Brands must use this time to strengthen their freight and fulfillment operations. Those that build flexibility now will be better positioned to meet demand and protect margins when tariffs are reinstated.
But building flexibility and scalability into your operations takes more than strategy. It takes a reliable commerce enablement and fulfillment partner who can help manage everything for you in one place.
How Stord Helps Brands Ship With Confidence Across Borders
Stord’s comprehensive commerce enablement platform grants brands the crucial physical fulfillment and integrated technologies needed to adapt quickly and intelligently to stay ahead of these shifting changes.
Stord Freight not only provides the infrastructure and flexibility needed to respond to trade disruptions through various forms of trucking, but can help brands manage the growing demand for strategic ocean freight. Our standard ocean and air freight services cover all major ports in the U.S. and Canada, and our global fulfillment structure ensures we are prepared to support imports from all 7 continents.
For brands shipping from China, Stord provides weekly sailings from key export hubs like Shanghai and Shenzhen. Our express LCL (less-than-container load) service consolidates cargo and ships it to Los Angeles, where it's moved inland using bonded IPI (Interior Point Intermodal) linehaul. For faster turnaround, our express service ships directly to Long Beach, CA. Whether you’re shipping FOB or Ex Works, Stord manages your cargo all the way to a U.S. container freight station (CFS). This setup helps brands reach inland distribution centers more quickly by avoiding delays at coastal ports.
Once freight reaches the U.S., it can be routed directly into Stord’s fulfillment infrastructure with 11 managed fulfillment nodes, backed by our extended network of over 50 fully operational partner centers, giving brands the ability to connect international shipping directly with local distribution and last-mile delivery. This end-to-end integration helps reduce handoffs, improve tracking, and keep lead times under control.
With the temporary pause in tariffs causing a surge in demand for ocean freight services, Stord Freight helps brands move with more confidence across borders.
Positioning Your Brand for Success Beyond the Tariff Pause
The temporary pause may offer short-term relief, but it doesn’t change the direction U.S. trade policy is heading. With potential reinstatement of similar duties hanging over the next 6-18 months, brands must use this brief window to shore up freight and fulfillment operations.
With the right infrastructure and a dependable fulfillment partner in place, you can stay ahead and be far better positioned when tariffs return.
If you need help adjusting your freight strategy, please visit our support portal or connect with our Stord freight team at freight@stord.com.
