Tariff Update | U.S. -China Agreement

As of May 14, 2025, the United States and China have implemented a 90-day temporary tariff reduction following a joint economic and trade agreement. This adjustment is designed to ease trade tensions and create a pathway for continued negotiations.

Key Details:

• U.S. tariffs on many Chinese imports have been reduced from 145% to 30%
• China’s tariffs on U.S. goods have been reduced from 125% to 10%
• The reductions are not retroactive – they apply to goods that have not yet been cleared or for which an IT has not been filed.
• Section 301 tariffs (25%, 15%, and 7.5%) and IEEPA tariffs (20%) remain in effect and continue to apply as previously enforced.

View the official White House joint statement.

The tariff change is likely to impact shipment planning and booking behavior, as importers assess the cost savings under the new rate structure. While it’s still early, there are a few dynamics to stay mindful of:

• Planning shifts may occur. Some shippers might reschedule held freight or expedite timelines to take advantage of the temporary reduction.
• Carrier adjustments are possible. Ocean carriers may respond by reinstating blank sailings or rebalancing capacity based on demand patterns.
• Mild congestion may reappear.S. ports—particularly on the West Coast—could face some pressure in the weeks ahead if volumes rise quickly.
• Market rates may fluctuate. Although pricing remains relatively stable for the moment, short-term variances in space or costs may occur as trends develop.

At The Block Logistics, we’re staying closely connected to carrier networks, market trends, and client needs to help you stay agile. Whether you’re adjusting routing, consolidating shipments, or reassessing landed costs, our team is here to provide insight, flexibility, and support every step of the way.

Let’s work together to ensure you’re making the most of this window, without compromising on reliability or timing.