The international trade landscape has seen major disruption in recent weeks, largely due to a growing tariff war triggered by new U.S. trade measures. As countries respond with their own tariffs, the situation is escalating quickly, adding complexity to global commerce. These developments are already having a knock-on effect across supply chains worldwide, placing increased pressure on freight movements, customs processes, and logistics planning.
On 9th April, President Trump announced a 90-day suspension of higher tariffs for the majority of countries, following discussions with over 70 nations. During this period, a standard 10% tariff will apply to most imports into the U.S.
However, not all countries are included in the pause. China is now facing tariffs of 125% — an escalation after Beijing imposed its own 84% levy on U.S. goods. Mexico and Canada also remain under targeted tariffs, particularly in specific industries such as energy and pharmaceuticals.
The White House has suggested the 90-day window is designed to encourage negotiation and secure what it views as more balanced and fair trade agreements.
Following the announcement, global markets reacted quickly. After a week of sharp declines, U.S. and Asian stock markets rebounded, with many investors encouraged by the temporary de-escalation.
Despite the positive market movement, the wider logistics and freight sector is facing a period of uncertainty. Increased tariffs can impact cargo volumes, cause delays at borders, and prompt rerouting of freight — all of which put pressure on cost and service reliability.
For British importers and exporters, the direct tariff impact is minimal for now, as the UK was already under the default 10% rate. However, disruption elsewhere in the world can still cause indirect issues. Delays at U.S. ports, for instance, can affect international shipping routes, schedules, and even container availability.
Additionally, companies with complex supply chains involving U.S. or Chinese components may be affected by shifting costs and new regulatory hurdles.
We recommend reviewing your supply chain plans regularly and ensuring flexibility where possible. Diversifying sourcing, staying on top of customs requirements, and working closely with logistics partners will help reduce exposure to delays or unexpected charges.
As always, proactive planning and up-to-date guidance are key.
If you’re concerned about how the U.S. trade tariffs might affect your shipments or supply chain, please don’t hesitate to contact us. At Jenkar, we cover a wide variety of logistics and customs services, and our experienced team is ready to help you navigate any challenges.
Whether it’s rerouting freight, understanding new regulations, or managing customs clearance, we are here to make sure your cargo gets where it needs to go. We remain committed to delivering a reliable and trustworthy service in uncertain times.
The global trade situation is evolving rapidly. We are actively monitoring developments and will continue to provide timely updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, our focus remains on supporting your business with smart, flexible logistics solutions, no matter how complex the landscape becomes.
Stay up to date with the latest trends, news and updates in the freight forwarding industry to ensure that your logistics operations are always optimised for efficiency.
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