What was intended as a sweeping overhaul of global trade rules has become exactly that – triggering one of the most disruptive shipping cycles in recent history. Container rates surged, then dropped. Inventory planning was thrown off course. Some importers were hit with six-figure duties, while new legislation quietly began dismantling decades-old import exemptions.
These are just some of the challenges explored in the latest Freight Buyers’ Club podcast, where industry leaders unpacked the compounding pressures facing logistics teams in 2025 and what steps are being taken to stay ahead.
Container Shipping Markets and the Demand for Dependability
Since the introduction of a universal import tariff on April 2, followed by a series of temporary pauses and revisions, the container shipping market has experienced significant disruption. Carriers and shippers were forced to adapt quickly as tariff deadlines shifted, creating a cycle of rushed shipments and rate volatility. The result has been a highly erratic freight environment, particularly on Transpacific routes.
Torsten Hartmann of Hapag-Lloyd discussed how the Gemini network, launched in partnership with Maersk, has outperformed competitors in schedule reliability. With reported figures reaching over 90 percent, this emphasis on operational consistency is resonating with customers who are now prioritizing reliability as much as price.
Importers are showing caution in their forward planning, with many scaling back purchases and delaying orders in response to softening demand and concerns about inventory overstock. The lessons of the COVID-era supply chain are still fresh, and the risk of misjudging volumes continues to weigh heavily on buyers.
In a market where traditional peak season trends are no longer dependable, the need for adaptable, well-informed logistics partners is more critical than ever.
The One Big Beautiful Act and the Implications for De Minimis
The One Big Beautiful Act, signed into law on July 4, includes provisions that are expected to have wide-ranging implications for logistics and trade. Most importantly, it mandates the end of the de minimis exemption for all imports by July 2027. While the exemption was previously eliminated for shipments from China, this legislation will extend that change to all countries, removing duty-free treatment for low-value goods.
Edwin Lopez, Managing Editor at Industry Dive, noted that many businesses had already begun preparing for this shift. Companies reliant on de minimis are now exploring customs alternatives for imports valued under $2,500 or transitioning from air to ocean freight to consolidate volumes and reduce costs. Some are building out regional fulfillment networks as a longer-term solution.
This transition is particularly relevant for e-commerce platforms, automotive parts distributors, and any business model dependent on high-frequency, low-value cross-border shipping. The removal of de minimis protection will force a reevaluation of cost structures, service models, and import compliance strategies.
Tariff Complexity and its Real-World Consequences
One of the most personal insights came from Susan Williams, an SME importer whose company, Callaloo Inc., is facing increases in tariff exposure. Williams shared that her company paid more than $435,000 in tariffs in 2024 and has already exceeded that figure just halfway through 2025.
Her comments also highlight how unpredictable the current system can be. With duties varying based on materials like aluminum, glass, or iron, classifying goods has become increasingly complex. Williams expressed frustration that her product categories, home accessories and seasonal décor were not the intended target of these tariffs but are now being swept up in broader trade policy enforcement.
In response, she has proposed a profit-sharing model where companies that allocate 10 percent of net profits to employees could be eligible to reclaim a portion of their tariff payments. While not yet under official review, the idea has attracted attention, including from former policymakers and economists.
Williams’s experience showcases how smaller importers, in particular, are struggling with a regulatory environment that shifts too quickly to allow for proper adjustment. Her perspective serves as a reminder that compliance costs are not abstract line items, but direct challenges to business viability.
Informed Planning is Critical in an Unpredictable Freight Environment
As demand softens and regulations tighten, import thresholds are being redefined, tariff rules are shifting, and network strategies are coming under pressure.
Businesses that prepare early, understand the changes ahead, and adjust their supply chains accordingly will be better positioned to stay competitive.
These are exactly the kinds of developments explored in detail on the Freight Buyers’ Club. Subscribe for regular insights from global trade and logistics leaders to stay in the know as market conditions evolve.
To explore how policies like de minimis reform and tariff adjustments could impact your compliance planning, get in touch with a Dimerco specialist. You can also refer to our eBook, Trade Compliance 101: A Practical Guide for Global Shippers, for practical guidance.
