Freight markets witnessed a relatively subdued response following last week’s dramatic trade announcements, contrasting sharply with earlier reactions to tariff developments. The current situation reveals a lack of urgency ahead of the August 7 tariff imposition deadline set by President Donald Trump.
Previously, shippers hurriedly loaded goods between announcement periods to beat deadlines.
This may be attributed to the weariness of shippers who previously engaged in proactive front-loading, leading to a diminished urgency during this tariff window.
Congestion from a ‘terrible’ situation with shippers waiting out the tariff chaos, holding back loaded containers and treating the docks like a warehouse.