#tradetariffs

Many new importers ask Do tariffs affect shipping costs directly or are they only charged at customs? The short answer is that tariffs do not change freight rates, but they absolutely impact your total landed cost.

Tariffs Are Applied During Customs Clearance They are calculated based on HS code, origin country, and CBP trade policies. They do not change what the shipping line or airline charges.

Where You Feel the Impact Higher tariffs increase your final product cost, which affects pricing, profit margin, and overall financial planning.

Example If you import a $10,000 shipment with a 25 percent tariff, you are paying an extra $2,500 on clearance , not on freight.

Bottom Line Tariffs do not affect transportation cost but they affect total import cost heavily. They are a financial factor, not a logistics charge.

The decline in U.S. exports, initially driven by a decrease in imports due to tariff-related disruptions, has now extended to encompass nearly all major export sectors, according to recent data from supply chain analytics firm Vizion.

Agricultural exports have been hit particularly hard, with soybeans, corn, and beef facing steep declines. The Port of Portland, Oregon, reported a 51% drop in export activity, while Tacoma, Washington — a significant hub for agricultural products destined for Asia — saw a 28% reduction.

According to Ben Tracy, Vizion’s VP of Strategic Business Development, the downturn in export volumes is now evident across most U.S. ports, indicating a broadening impact of trade policies.

“We’re seeing export declines at nearly every major U.S. port, from Los Angeles to Savannah to Norfolk,” Tracy said. Los Angeles reported a 17% drop, while Savannah and Norfolk saw declines of 13% and 12%, respectively.

Supply chain disruptions have compounded the issue. With fewer containerships arriving, retailers and importers are bracing for potential shortages ahead of the critical holiday shopping season. Bank of America Global Research has warned that retail inventories could become “lean” in the coming months, as many retailers only hold one to two months of sales in stock.

Meanwhile, shipping and logistics firms are adjusting to the new trade landscape. Matson, a Hawaii-based carrier with extensive Asia operations, has revised its 2025 outlook, citing a 30% year-over-year drop in container volume since the tariffs took effect.

CEO Matt Cox noted that the company is exploring diversification strategies to mitigate risk. “Many of our customers adopted a ‘China plus one’ strategy a few years ago, and we expect that trend to continue as businesses reassess their manufacturing footprints,” Cox said.

With fewer ships arriving at major U.S. ports and export volumes dwindling, the supply chain faces a pivotal moment as the holiday shopping season approaches. Tim Robertson, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding, emphasized the importance of securing capacity early to avoid disruptions in key sectors like electronics, toys, and apparel.

“Retailers that act now to lock in capacity and build buffers for potential disruptions will be better positioned to meet demand during the holiday rush,” Robertson said.