BAROMETER. Overall, the container shipping market kept a relatively cool head in April, thanks, notably, to China's carefully measured response to the trade war started by Donald Trump.
Main developments
- Tariff debate focuses on China-US relations
US president Donald Trump has monopolised media attention as he has blown hot and cold on international relations, without tangible results in the geopolitical sphere. From an economic point of view, however, the trade war, but more particularly the uncertainty created by his sudden changes of position, are starting to have their first effects on logistics chains. Trade between the United States and China, which are major players in the transpacific trades, was therefore seriously impeded. The truce announced from 14 May could give trade a slight boost, after a first quarter which was boosted by early ordering to beat the huge tariff increases due to be introduced by China and the United State, but much uncertainty remains. The end of the month of April was marked by a clear lull in activity for tractor operators in the American ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
As regards the US's commercial relations with the rest of the world, the additional 10% tariff has been accepted almost with relief, as attention has focused on the 90-day "pause" granted by the Trump administration prior to the possible introduction of additional...
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