The early holiday import surge reveals that retailers are willing to pay for control when it means reducing exposure to risks they cannot.

U.S. importers are rushing shipments ahead of potential tariffs, lifting port volumes and freight rates but likely pulling demand forward.

U.S. retailers accelerate imports from China by four to six weeks to stock up for the holiday season before anticipated tariff increases, boosting shipping demand and freight rates despite broader trade uncertainty.

Frontloading fueled the biggest inbound container increase in nearly two years, masking a trade environment still defined by volatility.

Trans-Pacific freight rates have surged 48% in three weeks, and they’re still climbing. Here’s how to protect your Q3 and Q4 margins.

Container shipping rates on Asia–U.S. routes have roughly doubled as the Iran conflict drives up fuel costs and disrupts global oil flows. Importers are also frontloading cargo, adding further pressure on already tight shipping capacity.

Container volumes returned to their underlying downward trend after a temporary March boost, while export growth remained largely flat.

March’s modest growth was fueled by front-loaded shipments following the IEEPA ruling—underlying demand remains weak, with adjusted volumes pointing to one of the longest sustained downturns in U.S. shipping history.

Geopolitics continues to stymie U.S. trade, as the Trump administration eyes potential new tariffs.

Canceled Gulf airline flights leave clothing exports from Bangladesh and India stuck at airports, raising freight costs and threatening timelines.