How to Prepare for 2025’s Early Peak Shipping Season: Seize Opportunity Amid Tariff Pause and GRI Hikes

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.

With demand for container space rising rapidly, shipping lines have announced a new round of General Rate Increases (GRIs) effective June 1st, 2025, aimed at balancing capacity constraints with the current surge in volume. This comes as importers look to take advantage of the temporary tariff “grace period” before rates potentially rise again later this summer.

What’s Happening

  • Tariff Pause = Demand Surge: Following the White House’s recent Executive Order easing ad valorem duties for 90 days, shippers have rushed to move goods into the U.S., especially from China.

  • Booking Spike: Some carriers, including Hapag-Lloyd, report up to a 50% increase in bookings on U.S.-bound lanes.

  • GRIs Take Effect June 1: In response, carriers are raising rates to manage limited vessel space and increased operational costs.

  • Tight Space Through August: Industry analysts predict that securing container space—not pricing—will be the primary challenge through the end of summer.

What This Means for Importers & Exporters

The traditional Q3 peak season is now expected to begin much earlier in 2025, catching many businesses off guard. Delays in booking, last-minute shipping decisions, or inflexible routing may result in missed deadlines or inflated freight costs.

How Radius International Can Help

At Radius International, we are proactively working with our global carrier network to secure space, provide rate visibility, and offer creative routing solutions for our customers. Whether you’re planning short-term shipments under the tariff window or preparing for Q4 fulfillment, our team is ready to support your logistics strategy.

Contact your Radius International representative today to discuss how we can help you stay ahead of the shipping curve this season.