The significant reduction of tariffs stimulates a cross-border logistics boom: new opportunities for China US economic and trade cooperation are released
On May 12, 2025, China and the United States issued a joint statement at the Geneva Economic and Trade Talks, announcing the resumption of trans Pacific trade flows and the launch of a 90 day tariff adjustment period. According to official announcements from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), both parties will phase out 91% of the additional tariffs and suspend the remaining 24% of the controversial tariffs. This measure directly promotes the surge in cross-border logistics demand. According to Rotate data from the international freight monitoring platform, from May 12th to 13th, the freight capacity from China to the United States increased by 60% compared to the same period a week ago, and the logistics industry ushered in a new round of "window dividend period".
1、 How does tariff reduction affect logistics?
1 Significant reduction in logistics costs
(1) According to the General Administration of Customs of China, after the reduction of tariffs, the comprehensive cross-border transportation costs (including taxes and fees) of electronic products and textiles will decrease by about 15% -20%.
(2) US importers have reported that after the tariff adjustment, the clearance efficiency of some goods has increased by 30%, and the pressure on warehouse turnover has significantly eased.
2. E-commerce trade becomes the core driving force
The joint statement clearly includes e-commerce as a priority recovery area. Alibaba International Station, Temu and other platforms have announced the expansion of their North American logistics warehouse layout, and it is expected that cross-border small package transportation volume will increase by more than 40% (data source: China International Freight Forwarders Association).
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2、 Rapid response in logistics industry: surge in transportation capacity and challenges
1. Synchronize efforts in sea and air transportation
According to data from Shanghai Port and Ningbo Zhoushan Port, the daily processing capacity of exported containers to the United States exceeded 200000 TEUs on May 13th, a year-on-year increase of 35%.
In terms of air cargo, the utilization rate of cargo holds for direct flights between China and the United States has reached 95%, and some routes have seen a 12% decrease in freight rates compared to April (data source: Civil Aviation Administration of China).
2. Short term controllable port pressure
The head of Long Beach Port in the United States stated that the current operational efficiency of the terminal has increased to 120% of pre pandemic levels, and it is expected that the new cargo volume can be absorbed within two weeks. The Chinese Ministry of Transport emphasized that it has coordinated with major ports to extend night time operations to ensure zero detention of exported goods.
3、 Enterprise strategy adjustment: Seize the 90 day window period
1. Inventory strategy shifts from "conservative" to "proactive"
Retailers such as Wal Mart and Costco announced that they would add orders for the third quarter, focusing on home furnishing and consumer electronics. Chinese manufacturing enterprises are accelerating their layout of "front warehouses", and the leasing rate of bonded warehouses in Guangdong, Zhejiang and other places has increased by 25% within a week (data source: China Bonded Zone Association).
2. Logistics companies launch special services
COSCO Shipping and Maersk have opened the "China US Express Line", promising to arrive at ports in the western United States within 15 days; SF International has added 10 charter flight routes, focusing on "cabin sharing" services for small and medium-sized enterprises, with a freight reduction of 18%.
3. Future outlook: Balancing efficiency and sustainability
(1) Despite sufficient short-term transportation capacity, industry experts remind companies to focus on two long-term challenges:
(2) Green logistics transformation: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) requires a 40% reduction in carbon emissions from cross-border shipping by 2030, and a balance between low-cost transportation and environmental investment;
(3) Digital upgrade: China and the United States Customs have launched a pilot program for electronic document interoperability, and in the future, "one click customs declaration" may become a standard feature.
