Trump Ramps Up China Tariffs to 20%: New Rules Now in Effect
March 3, 2025 – Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order raising tariffs on Chinese imports from 10% to 20%, effective March 4 at 12:01 AM EST. The move, citing fentanyl concerns, intensifies trade tensions and demands urgent compliance adjustments.

Key Tariff Updates

  ⒈Scope & Effective Date

•  Target: All Chinese (including Hong Kong) imports.

•  Effective: March 4, 2025, 12:01 AM EST.

•  Applicability: Formal customs entries or goods withdrawn from bonded warehouses.

  ⒉Exemption Window

•  Shipments loaded before February 1 and cleared by March 7 avoid the 20% hike.

•  Must meet:
         ○ Departure by February 1 (EST 12:01 AM).
         ○ Customs filing or withdrawal between February 4 – March 7.

  ⒊Canada & Mexico Tariffs

•  25% on most imports, but 10% for Canadian energy/resources.

$1.5M “Toll” on Chinese Ships: Biden-Era Policy Finalized

  •  New Fees:

→$1.5M per call at U.S. ports for China-built container ships.

→$1M per voyage for operators with >25% China-made new vessels (next 24 months).

→$1M rebate per call for U.S.-built ships.

  •  Impacts:

→Rerouting to Canada/Mexico likely, raising costs for Chinese exporters.

→U.S. port congestion risks surge as smaller ports lose traffic.

Final Rule Timeline: Post-USITC hearing on March 24.

East Coast Port Strike Averted: ILA Approves 62% Wage Hike

February 25, 2025 – A new six-year labor pact for East Coast/Gulf Coast dockworkers includes a 62% wage increase, ending strike threats and ensuring port stability through 2031.

Why It Matters: Guaranteed smooth operations for retailers and manufacturers reliant on critical hubs like NYC, Savannah, and Houston.

Q1 Trucking Rates to Rise: RXO Forecasts Steady Climb

   • 2025 Outlook:

→3% global GDP growth (IMF) drives retail/manufacturing demand.

→Rising fuel, labor costs, and shrinking carrier fleets tighten capacity.

→Spot rates converge with contract rates, ending post-pandemic discounts.

Shipper Strategy: Lock long-term contracts now to hedge against volatility.

Shengshi Logistics: Navigating Tariffs & Trade Barriers

Your Partner in Crisis-Ready Supply Chains

Solutions for 2025’s Challenges:

 ⒈ Tariff Mitigation:

•  Real-time HS code updates and duty optimization.

•  Expedited corrections for pre-March 4 filings.

 ⒉ Port Fee Workarounds:

•  Reroute via Canada/Mexico with seamless last-mile delivery.

•  Leverage 400,000 sq. ft. U.S. warehousing (LA, NYC, Houston) to bypass delays.

 ⒊ Cost Control:

•  300+ owned chassis and trailers cut drayage costs by 15%.

•  AI-driven route optimization minimizes fuel spend.

 ⒋ Regulatory Shield:

•  Full compliance with CBP, FDA, and EPA mandates.

•  Proactive alerts on policy shifts (e.g., ship fee implementations).

China’s Response:

•  MOFCOM Statement: Condemns U.S. tariffs as “WTO-violating protectionism,” vows to defend Chinese interests.

Why Shengshi ?

“In a world of trade wars and $1.5M tolls, we turn barriers into bridges—ensuring your goods move faster, cheaper, and smarter.”