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"Massive Trade Freeze" Emerges: Orders Plunge 64%

The U.S. maritime trade faces abrupt disruption due to a "tariff storm" initiated by the Trump administration. According to freight data firm Vizion, import orders¡ªafter a Q1 surge¡ªare now collapsing. Data comparing late March to early April 2025 reveals a 49% drop in container bookings and a 64% decline in total U.S. imports, attributed to shippers halting shipments amid policy uncertainty.

Tariff Chaos Rocks U.S. Maritime Trade

President Trump¡¯s tariff policies have thrown U.S. shipping into turmoil. Vizion¡¯s report, "Tariff Shockwaves," tracks a dramatic reversal: After peaking in early 2025, bookings fell 20% from January to March, though still 30% higher year-over-year¡ªlikely due to pre-tariff frontloading. By April, real-time bookings crashed, coinciding with U.S.-China tariff announcements.

Key Findings:

• Weekly collapse (March 31¨CApril 6 vs. prior week):

• Apparel/accessories: -59%

• Textiles/fabrics: -57%

• Discretionary goods (art, gems, etc.): -50%+

• Chinese industrial imports hit hardest: Plastics, copper, and wood products¡ªintegral to manufacturing¡ªface severe tariff pressure.

Agriculture Sector Sounds Alarm

U.S. farmers fear an export crisis. The CNN reports (via Global Times) warn that the U.S.-China tariff war could "devastate American farmers first." The Soybean Association chairman cautioned that prolonged tensions may trigger widespread bankruptcies.

Uncertainty Ahead

Vizion analysts note shippers¡¯ "accelerate-then-freeze" behavior¡ªrushing orders pre-tariff, then pausing mid-transit to reassess costs. With other U.S. trade partners¡¯ tariffs in a 90-day freeze, 2025 may see continued volatility: demand shocks, erratic orders, and global supply chain recalibrations.