Tariffs Return — and So Does Market Volatility
In 2025, the Trump administration reignited tensions with China by reinstating sweeping tariffs on a range of imported goods. Some categories saw duties spike as high as 145%, triggering alarm across U.S. retail, manufacturing, and logistics sectors. But in May, a temporary 90-day truce was struck, easing tariffs to 30% and giving importers a short window to bring in goods at more manageable cost levels.
That truce sparked immediate action. Freight volumes surged as businesses rushed to move inventory before the August deadline. U.S. ports began to feel the pressure, especially on the West Coast, where Chinese-origin shipments surged week-over-week.
The logistics sector, once sluggish, is now in overdrive — but no one is under the illusion that this rebound is sustainable without long-term policy clarity.
Container Rates Climb as Capacity Tightens
The short-term rush has caused rates to spike sharply. According to data from major ocean carriers, spot bookings from China to the U.S. have increased by more than 50% since the truce was announced. Carriers that had previously reduced sailings due to weak demand are now scrambling to reposition equipment and meet the sudden influx.
Freightos reports show Shanghai-to-Los Angeles rates have climbed 8–10% in just one week, with forecasts suggesting further hikes of up to 50% as we approach July. Space is tightening fast, and freight forwarders are advising clients to book earlier than usual — or risk missing the tariff window entirely.
This sudden surge has revived competition among freight brokers and carrier sales teams, many of whom are being rehired or scaled back up after a year of soft demand.
Importers Turn to Bonded Warehousing
One of the smartest moves we're seeing from U.S. importers? Bonded warehouses. These facilities allow businesses to defer paying the newly reinstated tariffs until the goods are actually sold — a critical strategy when navigating 30% duties on Chinese-origin cargo.
Warehouse operators across the Midwest and West Coast have reported record demand. Converting standard warehouses into bonded spaces has become a top priority for many 3PLs, and in some cities, bonded space is already at capacity. Lease rates have climbed significantly, particularly for secure sites close to major ports.
The move reflects a broader trend — logistics is once again at the centre of corporate strategy, not just a cost centre.
U.S. Exporters Feel the Sting of Retaliation
While importers scramble to move goods, exporters are feeling the pain. China’s response to Trump’s tariff hikes includes a fresh round of retaliatory measures, averaging around 34% on key U.S. exports like soybeans, electronics, and automotive components.
That’s making it harder for U.S. manufacturers to remain competitive in Chinese markets. Export volumes are dipping, especially from agricultural hubs in the Midwest, where container availability is also being impacted by import surges.
The longer-term worry? If this tit-for-tat pattern continues, U.S. exporters may lose valuable ground to European and Southeast Asian competitors with fewer trade barriers.
What This Means for Freight and Hiring
For freight businesses, the surge in activity is a mixed blessing. On one hand, bookings are up. Operations teams are busy again. Revenue is flowing. But on the other hand, it’s clear this spike is being driven by short-term policy — not sustainable demand.
That uncertainty is keeping hiring conservative in some areas, but aggressive in others. We’re seeing:
- Strong demand for carrier sales reps and import operations coordinators
- Renewed focus on compliance roles (customs brokers, bonded warehouse managers)
- An uptick in contract logistics staffing through Q3
The best logistics firms are preparing for both outcomes — a tariff extension or another round of abrupt policy shifts in the autumn. Either way, agility is key.
How Atlas Global Talent Helps Freight Companies Adapt
At Atlas Global Talent, we help logistics businesses respond to market shifts with confidence. Whether you're scaling your import team to meet surging demand or repositioning your export sales force for new markets, we provide the specialist talent you need to stay competitive.
Our candidate network spans customs, operations, freight sales, and warehouse leadership — across the U.S., Canada, and beyond. We act fast, deliver people who know the industry inside and out, and help you build teams that can weather volatility.
If your hiring strategy needs to match this moment — let’s talk.
Contact the Recruitment Team at Atlas Global Talent
Atlas Global Talent is a recruitment agency specialising in Logistics and Freight Forwarding. We connect businesses with reliable, high-end talent, ensuring they have the right people to drive future growth and success.
Our expertise covers permanent, temporary, and contract recruitment, allowing companies to scale efficiently. Within our specialist sector, we recruit across:
- Sales & Business Development
- Account Management
- Freight Operations
- Transport Operations
- Warehouse Operations
- Driving
- Procurement
- Administration
- Accountancy & Finance
- Human Resources
- IT
With operations in the United States, Canada, Latin America, United Kingdom and Europe, we offer a personalised, consultative approach. Our specialist recruiters provide market insights, helping businesses find the best talent while supporting professionals in advancing their careers.
We take a data-driven approach to recruitment, ensuring future-proof hiring solutions that help companies thrive in competitive markets. Beyond hiring, we act as a strategic partner, helping businesses navigate industry challenges and maximise long-term success.
At Atlas Global Talent, we make recruitment seamless and effective, delivering value at every stage. We're more than just a recruitment agency — we are a trusted partner, driving sustainable growth through talent acquisition.
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