Shippers Rush to Move Goods as China’s Tariffs Set In
00:00/00:00
Listen to this article
1x
Subscribe now
Listen to the full version
Listen to the full version
A rush of cargo shipment is expected in sectors with high import reliance on the U.S. Photo: Xinhua
A final rush of trans-Pacific shipments took place as companies scrambled to beat the Thursday deadline for China’s sweeping 84% retaliatory tariffs on all U.S. imports.
The levy commenced at 12:01 p.m. Beijing time. This triggered a last-minute scramble by shippers at U.S. ports such as the Port of Los Angeles, where nearly 20 container ships, most of them bound for China, were preparing to depart shortly before the deadline, according to vessel tracking data and a port source.
You've accessed an article available only to subscribers
VIEW OPTIONS
Unlock exclusive discounts with a Caixin group subscription — ideal for teams and organizations.
Subscribe to both Caixin Global and The Wall Street Journal — for the price of one.
- RELATED
Share this article
Open WeChat and scan the QR code
- DIGEST HUB
Digest Hub
Back
Explore the story in 30 seconds
- Companies rushed to export goods to China before an 84% retaliatory tariff took effect, causing congestion at U.S. ports like Los Angeles.
- Goods departing prior to the deadline enjoy a tariff exemption if arriving in China by May 13, with ships speeding to meet this condition.
- Analysts suggest the tariff could lead to decreased U.S. product demand in China, especially in sectors like electrical machinery and agriculture.
AI generated, for reference only
What Happened When
- April 2, 2025：
- Trump announced 'reciprocal tariffs' ranging from 10% to 49% on dozens of U.S. trading partners, including an additional 34% duty targeting China.
- April 7, 2025：
- The American-flagged container ship President Bush left Shanghai Port at a brisk speed.
- April 9, 2025：
- Detailed rules on tariff exemptions were released by the General Administration of Customs.
- By April 9, 2025：
- The U.S. raised tariffs on Chinese imports to a total increase of 104% during Trump's second term.
- Before April 10, 2025, 12:01 p.m. Beijing time：
- Final rush of trans-Pacific shipments took place as companies scrambled to beat the deadline.
- April 10, 2025：
- Trump raised the tariff on Chinese goods to 125%.
- April 10, 2025, 12:01 p.m. Beijing time：
- China's 84% retaliatory tariffs on all U.S. imports commenced.
AI generated, for reference only
- PODCAST
- MOST POPULAR
Sign in with Google
Sign in with Facebook
Sign in with 财新