As the industry approaches the 2025 peak shipping season, global airfreight capacity is tightening due to a surge in demand and ongoing market volatility. The temporary tariff relief on select imports has accelerated shipment volumes, placing additional pressure on already limited space across major international lanes.

On June 4th, 2025, the U.S. government officially doubled tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, raising duties from 25% to 50%. The move, announced by former President Trump, was positioned as a measure to strengthen domestic manufacturing but has triggered significant consequences for global importers and supply chains.

A major development in the U.S. trade landscape has introduced significant uncertainty for importers. On Tuesday, the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) issued a ruling that could upend several key tariff measures currently in place.

The U.S. has rolled back steep tariffs on low-value imports from China and Hong Kong, offering temporary relief to e-commerce platforms and logistics providers

Radius International is closely monitoring significant developments in the global shipping landscape as a 90-day tariff suspension between the United States and China has triggered a sharp increase in shipping activity—ushering in an earlier-than-expected peak season for 2025.

A major U.S. ocean carrier has issued a cautious outlook for 2025, citing a notable 30% decline in container volumes from China. This downturn follows the implementation of reciprocal U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, effective April 9, and is already disrupting trans-Pacific trade lanes.

President Trump has announced a 90-day pause on tariffs for countries that have refrained from retaliating against U.S. trade measures. During this period, a reduced 10% reciprocal tariff will be applied. This move comes as over 75 countries have engaged in trade negotiations without imposing counter-tariffs.

In a significant move aimed at addressing global trade imbalances, the White House has announced a series of new reciprocal tariffs on imports from multiple countries. These measures are designed to counter high import duties placed on U.S. goods and encourage other nations to lower their trade barriers. While the tariffs will not be fully reciprocal, they serve as a strategic push to create a more balanced trade environment.

As tariffs continue to fluctuate globally, businesses face increased costs and disruptions in their supply chains. At Radius International, we’re dedicated to helping our clients navigate the complexities of these changes with smart and cost-effective solutions.

Important Update: New Tariffs on Steel & Aluminum