World Maritime News
WMNF 17/09/2025
U.S. tariff maze could become even more difficult after court ruling
On August 29, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that former President Donald Trump’s tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) are illegal. The case is now heading to the Supreme Court, and the outcome could significantly impact U.S. importers and the container shipping industry.
Potential Positive Impact (if IEEPA tariffs are struck down): Up to $200 billion in tariff refunds could boost U.S. importers’ finances. Container shipping demand may temporarily rise.
Potential Negative Impact (if alternative tariffs are introduced): The Trump administration may impose new tariffs under other laws (e.g., Section 122, 232, or the Smoot-Hawley Act), increasing complexity and uncertainty. Risk of canceled investment pledges and retaliatory tariffs from trade partners.
In short, regardless of the Supreme Court’s decision, uncertainty will likely persist in the U.S. container shipping market.
Read more: Lloyd’s List
Liner trade maintains growth impetus into second half of the year
In the first half of 2025, global container shipping showed resilience despite tariff and geopolitical uncertainties. July marked the third consecutive month with volumes exceeding 16 million TEU, up 4.5% year-on-year. Southeast Asia led growth with a 16% export increase, while intra-Asia and emerging market trades (India/Middle East, Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa) also surged. However, Chinese exports to the U.S. dropped 11% due to tariffs, while Southeast Asia’s exports to the U.S. rose 21%, reflecting a shift in sourcing. The CTS Global Price Index fell compared to 2024, raising concerns about potential volume declines later in the year. Still, strong intra-Asia demand may help stabilize global shipping activity.
Read more：Lloyd’s List
Opportunities for industry still available despite disruptions
Opportunities remain in shipping despite recent disruptions like the pandemic, sanctions, Houthi attacks, and tariff uncertainty. Global cargo volume in 2025 is forecast at 12.7 billion tonnes, the same as 2024. Tonne-miles grew 6% last year, with a projected 1% increase this year. New tariffs affect only 4% of global trade, with a limited impact on most segments. U.S. port fees on China-linked vessels have created investment uncertainty, though affected port calls dropped from 50% to 7%. Red Sea traffic has decreased by 70% due to Houthi attacks, but detours via the Cape of Good Hope have raised rates by 11%, thereby boosting liner profits and newbuilding investments. Sanctions on Russian oil exports are now semi-permanent, with China and India continuing purchases, increasing tonne-miles. The shadow fleet may represent 15–24% of global tanker capacity, involved in sanctioned oil trades. The global fleet has doubled since 2008, now at 1.7 billion gross tonnes.
Read more: Lloyd’s List
China-built vessels on U.S. routes fall as port fee deadline looms
U.S. port fees targeting China-built vessels will take effect on October 14, prompting a decline in such ships on U.S. routes. CMA CGM announced it will not impose surcharges, instead opting to redeploy its fleet to avoid the fees. Significant drops in China-built vessels between May and August. Fleet adjustments may cause shipment delays and service disruptions, especially for freight forwarders and cargo owners. Major carriers can diversify vessel origins, but smaller operators may struggle, possibly imposing surcharges or avoiding U.S. routes. COSCO may reduce U.S. sailings unless it absorbs the costs, with partners like Evergreen and CMA CGM potentially taking over more shipments. OCEAN alliances will become increasingly vital in navigating these changes.
Read more: Lloyd’s List