May 22, 2025

Global Freight Forwarding - May 2025

May continued the volatility in global trade we saw in prior months as tariff shifts, regulatory changes, and new trade agreements gave importers something to think about. The U.S. and China agreed to a 90-day tariff pause, easing tensions and rates while maintaining a level of uncertainty. Ocean freight saw a surge in eastbound cargo in response to the pause, while businesses are increasingly turning to solutions such as Foreign-Trade Zones to mitigate costs. 

Around the world, key trade deals were also struck, including a UK-India agreement aimed at increasing bilateral trade and a China-ASEAN agreement focused on the green and digital sectors, respectively. The UK-EU made amends with a post-Brexit reset. While in Canada, the May 20th deadline to submit Financial Securities for CARM saw new customs requirements impacting supply chain strategies and importers alike. 

Crane Worldwide Logistics is at the forefront of these developments with regular updates through our trade advisory newsfeed. To speak with an expert on your options, contact your local Crane Worldwide Logistics representative or reach out via our online form.  

International Air Freight News

• Global air cargo saw a record high in March, with a 4.4% YoY increase in cargo tonnes-kilometers (CTK), fueled by post-holiday demand recovery. 
• Latin America is experiencing capacity constraints with congestion on lanes into Brazil and Santiago, Chile. 

Download Air Freight Update

International Ocean Freight News

• Major Northern European ports are facing continued congestion due to full container yards, labor unrest, staffing shortages, and changes in carrier alliance networks.
• Several carriers have announced substantial rate hikes starting in June to halt the sharp decline in container shipping rates from Asia to Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. 
• A surge in eastbound trans-Pacific cargo following the 90-day tariff pause between the U.S. and China is creating vessel congestion and equipment shortage across Asia. 

Download Ocean Freight Update

U.S. Domestic Ground Freight News

• April freight shipments across all domestic modes were down YoY and flat MoM, while truckload capacity continues to slowly exit the spot market
• Shippers report a "muddied" outlook as utilization slows amid tariff concerns. 

Download Ground Freight Update

U.S.-China Tariff Update

The 90-day pause implemented under the April 9th Executive Order is slated to expire on July 9th, 2025, for most countries and on August 12th, 2025, for China. Note: 

• Inbound goods from China must be customs cleared by August 12th to avoid a 145% duty rate.  If not cleared by the due date, goods will be subject to the full duty rate unless a new Executive Order is issued. 
• Inbound goods from all other countries must be customs cleared by July 9th to avoid the increased duty rate. If not cleared by the due date, goods will be subject to reciprocal tariffs. Read our America First Trade Update for a table of the expected reciprocal tariffs. 

This is a snapshot from our latest trade advisory notice, bookmark the page to keep up to date.

Location Spotlight: Monterrey (NL), Mexico

Did you know that Crane Worldwide Logistics is present in Monterrey, Mexico? Our facility offers a wide range of logistics services, including air cargo and ocean cargo, customs brokerage, and warehousing solutions. With easy access to the U.S. border, a 10-minute drive to Monterrey International Airport, and access to major Mexican cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, Manzanillo, and San Luis Potosi, we are ideally located for a major business hub like Monterrey. 

Interested in moving your operations or sourcing to Mexico? Contact us today, and see how our experts at Crane Worldwide Logistics Monterrey can help you establish a footing and a strong supply chain in Mexico.

Location Spotlight: Vancouver (BC), Canada

Did you know that Crane Worldwide Logistics Vancouver has a rich portfolio of project logistics success stories? Strategically located, Vancouver is perfectly positioned to cater to Asia-Pacific and European markets, making it advantageous for global trade. Just 10 miles from YVR Airport, 12 miles from the seaport, and 14 miles from downtown, our location is ideal for shippers looking to harmonize road, air, ocean, rail freight, warehousing, project logistics, customs brokerage, and cargo insurance services.

In need of a reliable 3PL in Vancouver? We are central to this logistics ecosystem, providing comprehensive and bespoke solutions to diverse client needs. Our presence across North America can help you expand your supply chain, while mitigating tariff impact.  For more information on our Vancouver Operations, get in touch today. 

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