If you're sourcing products internationally, this year’s tariff shifts will shake up your shipping budget.

The newest round of global tariff adjustments, including reciprocal increases and realigned trade policies, is driving up shipping costs, customs duties, and insurance rates. Businesses must quickly adapt their logistics planning to remain profitable.

As the founder of GeeseCargo, I’ve helped clients navigate fluctuating tariff landscapes for over a decade. These new policies—especially between China, the U.S., and Europe—are redefining the true cost of moving goods internationally. If you're an importer, ignoring these changes will shrink your margins, delay deliveries, and risk compliance issues at customs.

Which Shipping Costs Are Most Affected by New Tariffs?

Tariffs raise direct and indirect shipping costs—from customs clearance to container repositioning.

Global tariffs don’t just apply at the border—they ripple across the entire shipping chain. From the moment goods leave your supplier’s factory, each additional percentage point of duty compounds your final landed cost.

Are Port Charges Increasing Due to Tariffs?

Yes. In many cases, port authorities are adjusting their terminal handling charges to reflect the increased compliance costs associated with customs checks and documentation requirements. Importers moving through Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Hamburg are already seeing surcharges.

Do Tariffs Affect Freight Insurance Premiums?

Surprisingly, yes. Carriers are now recalibrating their risk models based on tariff volatility. Shipments with high-duty goods—like electronics or textiles—are seeing a jump in premiums from providers like Chubb and Lloyd’s.

How Should Importers Adjust Budgeting and Quoting?

You need to update your cost model to reflect fluctuating tariffs and potential delays.

Importers who keep quoting based on outdated tariff regimes risk underpricing their goods. Many of our U.S. clients are shifting to flexible quote models that update in real-time as tariff rules evolve.

What Is the Role of Incoterms in Cost Control?

Incoterms define who pays for what. If you’re using FOB, you’re exposed to unpredictable landing costs. But with DDP, the forwarder (like us) handles everything from customs to delivery under one price. Learn more about Incoterms here.

Should You Change How You Quote Your Customers?

If you sell B2B, yes. Consider offering a tariff-adjusted delivery price with a validity clause, or use platforms like Freightos to benchmark rates with updated duties included.

How Are Shipping Routes and Transit Times Affected?

Tariff changes are reshaping routes, causing congestion in some ports and underutilization in others.

When tariffs make a lane less profitable, carriers shift capacity elsewhere. This has led to route shifts and even blank sailings, especially between Asia and U.S. West Coast ports.

Are Alternative Ports Being Used to Avoid Tariffs?

Absolutely. More freight is now rerouting through Mexico, Vietnam, or Malaysia to bypass direct duties, though customs authorities are cracking down on false country-of-origin declarations. Here's how country-of-origin rules work.

How Do Tariffs Delay Delivery Schedules?

Increased inspections and paperwork at customs slow down clearance times. For example, exports labeled under “sensitive categories” now undergo manual review by China’s customs officers. This can add days to your delivery.

What Freight Solutions Can Offset These Added Costs?

Smart freight solutions like DDP, bonded warehousing, and split shipments are saving clients thousands.

We’ve worked with apparel brands, Amazon sellers, and B2B importers who were caught off guard by the new tariffs. They now use cost-saving tactics that help preserve their profit margins.

What Is the Benefit of DDP Under the New Tariff Structure?

Under Delivered Duty Paid, your freight partner calculates and pays all duties upfront, removing surprises. Our clients use DDP to lock in full shipment costs, reducing the risks of fluctuating tariff assessments. Read about DDP strategies.

How Else Can You Reduce Shipping Tariff Costs?

Explore bonded warehouses to delay duties until goods are sold. Use split shipments to minimize bulk duty exposure. You can also work with trade lawyers to apply for tariff exemptions.

Conclusion

Global tariffs are no longer static—they’re moving targets tied to politics, diplomacy, and retaliatory policies. If you want to maintain logistics efficiency and cost control in 2025 and beyond, your shipping plan must evolve with these tariff adjustments.

At GeeseCargo, we help clients anticipate and mitigate tariff impacts with proactive planning, real-time customs updates, and cost-saving logistics strategies. Whether you're importing fashion, accessories, or consumer goods, we’ll help you stay ahead of the curve.

Contact Ben Zhu at benzhu@geesecargo.com to get a custom freight plan built for the 2025 tariff era.