E-Chain

This Friday (January 9th), the U.S. Supreme Court will make a final ruling on the global tariff policies implemented during the Trump administration. This ruling is highly anticipated, especially given its profound impact on U.S.-China trade relations, and Chinese companies and related industries are closely watching. If the tariffs are ruled illegal, US tariffs on China could be reduced by up to 20%, and companies can apply to the US Customs and Border Protection for refunds totaling hundreds of billions of dollars. After taking office for his second term, Trump restarted his strategy of “using tariffs to bring manufacturing back.” In April 2025, he announced a general 10% tariff, and also imposed varying “reciprocal tariffs” of 10%-50% on most countries. At the same time, citing the need to “combat fentanyl source countries,” he imposed an additional 10% “fentanyl tariff” on countries including China, Canada, and Mexico, based on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). However, these tariff policies have been controversial since their inception. Both the US Court of International Trade and the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the tariffs based on IEEPA “exceeded presidential authority” and violated the scope of congressional authorization. During oral arguments before the Supreme Court in November 2025, most justices also expressed skepticism about the government’s arguments. According to market data predictions, the probability of Trump’s tariff policies being upheld is only 22%-30%, while the probability of them being completely overturned is as high as 70%-78%. Several research institutions also predict a high probability of the tariffs being overturned. Currently, several US companies have already initiated legal action. Conservatively estimated, the total amount of refunds could exceed $100 billion. This will not only inject short-term cash flow into the US manufacturing and retail industries, but for Chinese exporters, some goods that were unsold or delayed in customs clearance in the US will be able to circulate again, and the speed of trade is expected to recover. Although the Trump administration insists that its tariff policy is “justified,” Trump himself has rarely expressed concern on social media, stating that if the Supreme Court overturns the tariffs, it will “deal a heavy blow to American manufacturing.” This reflects that tariffs have become a political symbol ahead of the 2026 elections. Government advisors have revealed that if the IEEPA measures fail, Trump may resort to Section 232 (national security tariffs) or Section 301 (unfair trade tariffs) to reimpose them. However, these mechanisms have long review periods, high evidentiary requirements, and limited scope. In the short term, the US will lose the administrative convenience of quickly imposing tariffs, and Chinese and American companies will have a brief strategic buffer period. Since the implementation of tariffs, inflationary pressure in the United States has remained high, with rising import prices driving up consumer spending. The government has been forced to announce temporary tariff exemptions for some key industries. If the tariffs are overturned, the US CPI growth rate may significantly decline in the second quarter of 2026, and the trend of global supply chain “decoupling” will temporarily slow down. China’s export structure will also have room for recovery, cross-border e-commerce and manufacturing orders are expected to return, the RMB exchange rate may see a short-term rebound, and some Southeast Asian countries may face pressure from the short-term transfer of production capacity back to China. Overall, the possibility of the US lowering tariffs on China is very high, and the final outcome depends on the Supreme Court’s ruling this Friday. Chinese companies and related industries need to closely monitor the ruling and prepare in advance to seize potential opportunities and promote their own development.

Recently, Tianjin E-Chain Logistics successfully completed the loading of products for a major client order, marking another achievement for the company in the field of international logistics services. As a professional ocean freight company, E-Chain Logistics has earned widespread customer trust with its efficient and reliable sea transport logistics services. Efficient Loading, Ensuring a Smooth Supply Chain This loading operation involved high-value products of multiple categories, and the client had extremely strict requirements for logistics timeliness and security. The E-Chain Logistics team, through meticulous planning and coordination of ocean freight shipping company resources, ensured seamless (seamless connection) at every stage from warehousing to loading. Through advanced warehouse management systems and intelligent scheduling technology, the company achieved rapid cargo consolidation at the port and precise loading, ultimately completing the loading within the scheduled time, laying a solid foundation for subsequent sea freight shipping & logistics. As a leading ocean freight forwarding company, E-Chain Logistics not only provides basic transportation services but also customizes sea freight logistics solutions for clients, covering customs clearance, insurance, and destination customs clearance – providing full-chain support. In this operation, the company significantly reduced transportation costs and improved cargo turnover efficiency by optimizing route selection and vessel loading plans. Global Network, Serving International Clients E-Chain Logistics’ business covers major global trade routes, making it a competitive international ocean freight shipping company. Through strategic partnerships with multiple international sea freight companies, the company has built a sea freight logistics network covering Asia, Europe, and the Americas, providing clients with flexible multimodal transport solutions. For example, for orders requiring high timeliness, the company can integrate international air & sea freight forwarding company resources to achieve “air + sea” combined transportation. The goods from this loading operation will be transported to destinations in Latin America through E-Chain Logistics’ ocean logistics shipping network. The company leverages its self-built overseas warehouses and localized teams to provide clients with door-to-door sea freight logistics company services, including destination port delivery and warehousing management, effectively solving the “last mile” problem in cross-border logistics. Technology-Driven, Enhancing Service Quality E-Chain Logistics consistently prioritizes technological innovation as its core competitive advantage. By introducing IoT devices and big data analytics platforms, the company has achieved real-time monitoring of goods in transit, allowing customers to check logistics information at any time through a digital platform. This transparent and intelligent ocean logistics management model has significantly improved customer experience and helped the company become one of the leading ocean logistics companies. As a representative of Chinese overseas shipping companies, E-Chain Logistics actively participates in the development of international logistics standards and promotes green logistics. For example, the company reduces carbon emissions during transportation by optimizing ship routes and using low-carbon fuels, contributing to the sustainable development of the global supply chain. Looking to the future, continuously empowering customers The General Manager of E-Chain Logistics stated: “The success of this loading operation demonstrates the company’s professional capabilities in the field of ocean logistics. In the future, we will continue to deepen cooperation with international ocean shipping companies, expand into emerging market routes, and provide customers with more efficient ocean international freight services limited solutions through digital upgrades.” As the global trade landscape evolves, E-Chain Logistics will continue to focus on customer needs, with ocean logistic freight at its core, building a comprehensive logistics service platform integrating transportation, warehousing, and information technology to help Chinese enterprises go global. About Tianjin E-Chain Logistics Tianjin E-Chain Logistics is a comprehensive enterprise specializing in international sea freight logistics services, with businesses covering container shipping, bulk carrier chartering, and cross-border e-commerce logistics. With the philosophy of “customer first, innovation-driven,” the company is committed to becoming a leading international sea freight company globally.

Global Ocean Freight Rates Soar: E-Chain Logistics Highlights Key Adjustments Across Asia-Europe, Asia-Africa, and Asia-Latin America Routes‌ In a significant turn for the marine freight industry, global ocean freight rates have entered a sustained upward phase, with particularly steep increases on Asia-Europe, Asia-Africa, and Asia-Latin America trade lanes. Some 40-foot containers (FEUs) have even surpassed the $8,500 mark, signaling heightened cost pressures for businesses reliant on international ocean freight shipping. E-Chain Logistics, a leading provider of sea freight solutions, breaks down the critical adjustments and underlying drivers shaping this trend. ‌Key Rate Adjustments Across Major Trade Lanes‌ ‌Asia to Mediterranean/North Africa‌: Between January 1-14, rates for 20-foot containers (TEUs) peaked at 5,500,while40−footcontainersonNorthAfricaroutesreached5,500,while40−footcontainersonNorthAfricaroutesreached8,500, marking a surge of over 30%. This spike directly impacts marine freight transport costs, particularly for sea freight export operations via sea freight carriers. ‌Asia to North Europe‌: Effective January 1, new FAK rates were implemented, with 20-foot containers at 2,000and40−footcontainersat2,000and40−footcontainersat3,600, plus a $250/TEU peak season surcharge (PSS). This move elevates expenses for global ocean shipping and trade ocean shipping clients, including those using E-Chain Logistics’ sea freight door to door services. ‌Asia to Latin America‌: A $1,000 per-container rate restoration fee (RRI) took effect on January 1, adding to the cost of sea freight LCL and FCL services and influencing shippers’ decisions via sea freight options. ‌Asia to Africa‌: Far East to West Africa North rates jumped to 450/TEU, while Central/SouthAfricasawa450/TEU, while Central/SouthAfricasawa300/TEU increase, further inflating sea freight international shipping expenses for sea freight brokers and ocean freight brokers. ‌Drivers Behind the Price surge‌ ‌Off-Season Rate hikes defy trends‌: Typically a period of subdued demand, December saw shipping lines push rates through(PSS) and other mechanisms. This strategy aims to optimize revenue for sea freight carriers and global ocean freight providers, including prime oceanic shipping and pacific liners freight. ‌Red Sea resumption and Ukraine-Russia tensions‌: The restart of Red Sea routes may temporarily elevate freight costs, while a potential Ukraine-Russia ceasefire could boost demand for Far East-Europe trade ocean shipping, straining vessel freight operations and shipping via ocean freight networks. ‌Rising green compliance costs‌: The EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and Fuel EU Maritime regulations have come into force, potentially raising ETS surcharges on Asia-Europe routes to €40-50/TEU. This increase adds to sea freight transport expenses and challenges sea freight solutions providers like E-Chain Logistics. ‌E-Chain Logistics’ Strategic Response‌ As a trusted partner in sea freight export and sea cargo shipping, E-Chain Logistics emphasizes proactive measures to mitigate cost volatility. The company leverages its expertise in sea freight import and sea freight delivery to offer tailored sea freight solutions, including shipping container sea optimization and sea container transport efficiency. For businesses navigating this challenging landscape, E-Chain Logistics’ sea freight brokers provide actionable insights to streamline shipping via sea freight operations. ‌Key takeaway‌: The global ocean freight market’s upward momentum stems from a confluence of seasonal tactics, geopolitical shifts, and regulatory burdens. E-Chain Logistics remains committed to delivering innovative sea freight to door services and sea cargo container management, ensuring clients can adapt to these changes with confidence. For further analysis on specific route data or customized mitigation strategies, contact E-Chain Logistics’ experts today.