Shipping Container Market Disrupted By Tariff Uncertainty

(Updated – May 5, 2025) In the current global trade environment, few factors are proving as disruptive—and consequential—as tariffs and their domino effects on imports, exports, and the container logistics industry. Recent data shows that the economic tug-of-war between the U.S. and China is having significant and multifaceted repercussions across the global supply chain. As international tensions rise, trade slows, and logistics systems strain under new pressures, both businesses and consumers are beginning to feel the pinch.

The U.S.-China trade landscape has shifted dramatically due to President Trump's imposition of tariffs up to 145% on most Chinese imports, including toys, electronics, and household goods. This escalation has intensified supply chain disruptions, particularly as businesses prepare for the back-to-school and holiday shopping seasons. Retailers and suppliers are on high alert, anticipating significant slowdowns and congestion in the industry

In response to these tariffs, Chinese exporters are employing "place-of-origin washing," rerouting goods through third countries like Malaysia to obtain new certificates of origin and bypass U.S. tariffs. This practice has raised concerns among U.S. business partners and Asian nations about becoming unintended intermediaries. The economic impact is already evident. The U.S. economy contracted in the first quarter of 2025 for the first time in three years, partly due to pre-tariff stockpiling of imports.

Additionally, the logistics industry faces increased shipping costs and longer transit times. Ocean freight routes from China to the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts are restricted by the Panama Canal's limitations, and the Suez Canal isn't a viable alternative due to conflict in the Red Sea. These challenges are expected to exacerbate supply chain disruptions as we approach the second quarter's busy season. Source: Global Trade Magazine

As the leading provider of decommissioned (used) containers in North America, Eveon is committed to transparency in availability, pricing and industry trends. We only sell what we have in stock and proactively inform our customers about market factors that may impact inventory levels and pricing. When inventory of goods is disrupted at any part of the supply chain, so are the prices and demands of the Corten Steel box in the heart of it all.

Sharp Decline in Global Trade Volumes

The figures speak volumes. Global twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) bookings—used to measure containerized cargo capacity—have plummeted by a staggering 49%. The U.S., one of the world's largest trading hubs, has seen its import volume fall by 64%. Imports from China, specifically, have matched this decline, also dropping 64%, while U.S. exports to China have decreased by 36%. These are not small shifts—they represent a massive contraction in trans-Pacific trade that has downstream implications for nearly every player in the logistics and manufacturing sectors.

This decline is not solely the result of tariffs but is certainly exacerbated by them. A newly announced fee on Chinese ships docking in U.S. ports (as reported by CNN) could suppress trade flows even further, particularly if China responds with retaliatory measures. The message is clear: shipping is becoming more expensive, and less predictable. Still unclear about tariffs and their effect? Learn more about everything you need to know but were afraid to ask.

The Emergence of ‘Blank Sailings’ and What They Mean

Adding to the complexity are widespread "blank sailings"—scheduled container ship voyages that are canceled due to insufficient cargo to justify the trip. Shipping lines are unwilling to cross the Pacific with partially filled vessels, and as a result, fewer ships are departing. While this may seem like a reasonable cost-saving measure for carriers, it leads to additional supply chain disruptions. Containers that are already in short supply in certain regions may not return quickly, worsening regional shortages and creating bottlenecks in availability.

This growing imbalance is starting to show up in the market. With fewer containers being moved, and blank sailings becoming common, it’s likely that container shortages will intensify over the coming weeks and months.

Implications for Container Stock and Pricing

Container fleet owners and leasing companies are preparing for what could be a prolonged period of constrained supply. The likely scenario is twofold:

• Rising Prices: As availability dwindles, prices are poised to rise. Container users—especially those needing large volumes for industrial or manufacturing operations—should consider locking in supply now, while pricing is still relatively favorable.
• Limited Availability: Certain geographies may face serious shortages. If blank sailings and decreased trade volumes persist, containers could become unavailable in key logistics hubs for extended periods.

Recommendations for Customers

• Act Early: If your business depends on container availability, now is the time to secure stock. Delays could mean paying more—or worse, being unable to source containers at all.
• Monitor Competitor Movements: With others already raising prices, market indicators show that prices are trending to increase as inventory reduces.
• Plan for Longer-Term Disruption: This isn’t a short-lived blip. Ongoing trade tensions, tariffs, and logistical hurdles suggest a prolonged period of market volatility.

As global trade adapts to political and economic headwinds, businesses must remain informed and proactive. Container pricing and availability are early indicators of broader shifts.

For those monitoring the prices or concerned about inventory please stay tuned to developments. For a real-time quote on a 20ft or 40ft shipping container from Eveon click here.