The first wave of Chinese freight ships carrying goods that face President Trump’s new 145% tariffs arrived at US ports — as rattled retailers, importers and logistics networks across the country brace for trade talks between the feuding trade rivals.
At least seven container vessels that departed from China have docked at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, according to CNBC, which cited shipping data from MarineTraffic.
Together, they are carrying upwards of 12,000 containers from major retailers — including Amazon, Home Depot, Ikea, Ralph Lauren and Tractor Supply — now subject to the steep new levies against Beijing that kicked in last month.
Another five ships are expected to arrive at the nation’s two busiest ports for container traffic from Asia in the coming days.
Brian Bourke, global chief commercial officer at SEKO Logistics, said that once companies receive what they consider essential shipments, many plan to pause orders indefinitely.
“There’s growing concern we’ll see empty shelves,” Bourke told CNBC.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will represent the Trump administration in its talks with Chinese officials in Switzerland this weekend aimed at resolving the trade dispute between the world’s two largest economies.
The Post reported on Thursday that the Trump administration was weighing a plan to slash the 145% tariff on Chinese imports by more than half — effective as soon as next week.
Trump said Friday he may lower the rate to 80%, though that figure remains far above what businesses can easily absorb.
“80% Tariff on China seems right! Up to Scott B,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Bourke said the confusion over how the new provisions interact has thrown company planning into disarray.
“Many of our clients priced and sold their products prior to the tariff amounts being announced,” Bourke said. “They are not able to change the pricing on items that have already sold and are arriving in May and June, or beyond.”
The broader shipping outlook is deteriorating fast.
Sea-Intelligence reported 90 blank sailings on Asia-North America routes in April and May.
The Ocean Alliance, which includes China’s COSCO and Taiwan’s Evergreen, accounted for more than half of those cancellations.
Shipping capacity is also shrinking.
MSC, the world’s largest carrier, has cut container volume by 28% year-over-year, and the Ocean Alliance has scaled back by 26%.
The cargo that arrived at LA Ports included Amazon-listed deep fryers and sofas, Tractor Supply’s garden tools and work boots and Home Depot’s ceiling fans.
Ikea furniture, Speedo swim goggles, Samsung microwave parts, LG refrigerators, Ralph Lauren blazers, Lenovo computer components and Dr. Martens footwear were also part of the container loads.
“Tractor Supply is actively working with its vendor and supply chain partners to navigate the impact of recently announced tariffs,” a company spokesperson told CNBC, pointing to “notable uncertainty” raised during its April 24 earnings call.
In a statement, Amazon said it continues to work with its “broad, varied range of valued selling partners” to maintain selection and pricing despite the volatility.
Home Depot, which is in its quiet period ahead of quarterly earnings, responded with a previous statement noting, “We, together with our vendors, are monitoring developments and will work closely to manage with the goal of being our customers’ advocate for value.”
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