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Global trade slowdown: Shipping lines cut Asia–US routes as tariffs bite

Beijing, China
May 10, 2025 (Updated: February 11, 2026) 0 Negative General
Global trade slowdown: Shipping lines cut Asia–US routes as tariffs bite

TheWkly Analysis

Major shipping companies are suspending at least six weekly trans-Pacific routes between China and the U.S., citing a dramatic fall in cargo volume since tariffs soared. Analysts see this as a clear indicator of reduced global trade flows, with carriers scrambling to avoid half-empty ships. Many U.S. retailers have also trimmed import orders due to rising costs.

Multiple perspectives analyzed from 0 sources
What this means for you:
Expect potential delays or shortages of certain imported goods if shipping schedules are cut back.
Price hikes could extend to consumer items heavily dependent on Chinese manufacturing.
If you run a small business, talk to shipping partners about capacity shifts or consider diversifying supply sources.

Key Entities

  • Container Shipping Companies (e.g., MSC, Zim, Ocean Alliance): Multinational alliances that operate trans-oceanic routes, formed to share capacity and reduce costs.
  • Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd: Leading global shipping firms historically dominating routes between Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Multi-Perspective Analysis

Left-Leaning View

The reduction in shipping routes highlights the detrimental impact of tariffs on global trade, exacerbating economic inequality and harming workers in affected industries.

Centrist View

The slowdown in global trade and the adjustment of shipping routes reflect the complex interplay of tariffs and market demands, necessitating a balanced approach to trade policy.

Right-Leaning View

The cut in Asia-US shipping routes serves as a clear indication that tariffs are effectively protecting domestic industries, despite the short-term disruptions in global trade.

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