1. What is "Customs Closure"?Definition: Hainan will become a special customs supervision zone under the principle of "First Line Open, Second Line Controlled, Island-Wide Freedom"14.First Line (Open): Free movement of goods, capital, and personnel between Hainan and global markets.Second Line (Cont
Qingdao Port¡¯s rail-sea intermodal volume hit 1.503M TEUs (+15.1% YoY) in H1 2025, retaining its national lead. Expanded routes (86 total) and new inland ports (54) boost cross-border logistics, including dedicated solar product and China-Europe rail services.
North American Trade Lanes:US West Coast outperforms East Coast with some carriers experiencing rolloversFailed mid-July GRIs followed by significant rate erosionEast Coast volumes decline as slower transit times miss tariff deadlinesMSC suspends PEARL service, Ocean Alliance implements blank sailin
Matson Lines has immediately halted all shipments of electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids due to lithium-ion battery risks, following recent maritime fires. No timeline for resumption.
Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and other carriers have announced August freight rate adjustments. Maersk will impose PSS on China to South Africa/Mauritius routes ($1,000/20¡¯, $1,600/40¡¯ dry containers), while Hapag-Lloyd adds $300/TEU on Far East-Australia routes. US West/East rates rebound, while Europe-Asia rates may rise further due to tariffs.
The OECD warns that rising deglobalization, driven by trade wars and reshoring, may cut global trade by 18%, with GDP losses up to 12%. Shipping firms face volatility as tariffs reshape supply chains, while trans-Pacific freight rates surge and crash amid uncertain demand.
A U.S. federal court halted Trump¡¯s April 2 tariff order, ruling it unconstitutional. The administration must suspend collections within 10 days, but an appeal is underway. Businesses brace for uncertainty as the White House vows to fight.
Nine carriers¡ªincluding ZIM, ONE, HMM, and newcomers like KMTC¡ªare scrambling to add new routes, revived services, and extra loaders on the U.S. trade lane after tariff cuts triggered a cargo surge. Key upgrades target West Coast ports like L.A. and Long Beach.
Container shipping rates on U.S. routes soared by up to 31% in a week, driven by urgent demand as importers rush to beat the 90-day tariff suspension window. Analysts warn of prolonged hikes due to capacity shortages, while Europe-Asia trade remains sluggish.
Proper container loading ensures cargo safety, compliance, and efficiency. This guide covers essential tips¡ªmixing different goods, weight distribution, mechanical vs. manual loading, and avoiding common mistakes like overloading or imbalance. Master these skills to prevent damage, customs delays, and costly errors.
