As contract delays between the International Dockworkers' Association and the American Maritime Union have stalled, the threat of a strike at ports along the East Coast and the Gulf Coast looms.
In addition, the tariffs that Trump plans to take office on January 20 have also added to the instability in the foreign trade industry. As a result, domestic and foreign retailers and shippers are speeding up their trade operations with the United States to avoid the impact of strikes and increased tariffs.
According to the latest forecast of the National Retail Federation Supply Chain (NRF), the container handling capacity in December 2024 is expected to reach 2.14 million TEU, up 14.3% year on year.
Meanwhile, imports for January 2025 are forecast to be 2.2 million TEU, up 12% year on year, and the expected increase in March is even greater, which is expected to reach 12.7%.
Vice President of Supply Chain and Customs Policy at the American Retail Federation (NRF) said: " Both strikes and new tariffs will hit the economy, and retailers are accelerating imports to avoid the impact of both."U. S. ports will face the surge in containers in early 2025.
On January 20, Trump is expected to introduce a new tariff, prompting shippers and retailers to rush to complete the clearance before the tariffs take effect.
Container shipping, much higher than last year's level, is puts additional pressure on retailers. Recently, shipping companies announced an expected freight increase of $1000 to $3000 / FEU, which will not happen until the Spring Festival approaches.
While shipping costs from Shanghai to Los Angeles and New York began to fall in December, they remained high compared with last year, according to Drewry.
The threat of strikes, rising tariffs and possible increases have forced retailers to face more cost pressure.
As U. S. retailers continue to accelerate imports, the U. S. line is likely to reach a record high. While America's economic and foreign trade policies remain unclear, it is also a short-term solution to the future.
Source: SouHang Network