China’s freight vessels no longer control against the US ports

Customs of 145 percent apply to all Chinese goods loaded after April 9. Next week, the last ships that are not covered by the shock -high customs arrive at US ports. Then a new reality will start to apply to American citizens and companies.

– We have already seen that it is starting to be noticed on the west coast, then it takes a little longer for the vessels to reach the east coast. But regardless, it will be clear in the coming weeks, says Maria Persson, associate professor of economics at Lund University.

There are significantly fewer booked transport of goods from China to the United States in the future. The forecasts say imports to the United States will decrease by 20 percent during the second half of 2025.

In the port of Los Angeles, almost half of the companies are Chinese.

– From next week we will receive almost 35 percent fewer goods from China compared to last year, says port’s CEO Gene Seroca to CNN.

China is dominant In the US market, including toys and high -tech products such as computer screens.

– We will see price increases, but also that some goods are difficult to obtain. That it becomes empty on the shelves simply, says Maria Persson.

The reduced imports from China will affect the US economy in several ways. When some goods become more expensive, trade can also decrease on US goods, as Americans have less money left in the wallet. At the same time, US companies must be drawn with a major disadvantage in international competition, where customs make their purchases more expensive, explains Maria Persson.

– All forecasts about the American economy point downwards, the question is just how much it goes down.

US Finance Minister Scott Bessent Talks about a step-down of the Customs War with China on Thursday, in an interview with the Fox News television network.

– This will be a process in several steps. First we have to step down and then over time we will start focusing on a larger trade agreement, he said, adding that he is sure that Beijing wants a new agreement.

A similar message comes from Kevin Hassett, head of the US national economic advice, who says he is « hopeful ».

– We are close to making the progress needed to get the ball rolling, he tells CNBC.

Maria Persson says That there are two camps in the Trump administration, but that only one person has control.

– Finance Minister Bessent sees the danger of customs and has tried to push in this direction before. So this statement goes on his line, she says and continues:

– Then there is a protectionist phalanx that they have also been out in the media. But it is difficult to go on those signals, because in terms of trade policy it is clear that it is Donald Trump who makes the decisions.

In the port of Shanghai Located the largest cargo vessels moored. Many companies have started using smaller vessels, despite the reduced number of routes from China to the US by 60 percent in April, according to CNN.

The effects of US duties on Chinese exports become noticeable to China’s economy, which is based on exports. But China’s countermeasures are likely to hit less hard on his own economy than Trump’s tariffs do to the United States.

China primarily imports American goods such as oil and agricultural products.

– It is generally goods that are easier to replace than those that the US buys from China, says Maria Persson.

In the port of Los Angeles The work is expected to decrease in the future, according to Gene Seroka.

– The truck drivers who ship four to five containers per day will probably transport two to three from next week. And the port workers who now have overtime and work double shifts will hardly get together a full time, he tells CNN.