US importers scrap Asian orders as tariffs derail transpacific contracts
- New US tariffs have already led to booking cancellations and container recalls, stalling contract talks and threatening freight rate stability
- Heavy reliance on China and rising duties on other Asian countries heighten stagflation concerns, with lower-tariff countries such as Türkiye emerging as a potential rerouting option
- While some expect a rebound during peak season, escalating US-China tensions continue to cloud global shipping demand and rate forecasts
A deepening US-China tariff standoff is upending transpacific trade, triggering booking cancellations, stalling freight contracts, and raising stagflation risks as shippers scramble for alternative routes and supply chain clarity
