Geopolitics and Global Trade

Geopolitical Tensions and Tariff Truces to Influence Global Maritime Trade by 2025

Geopolitical tensions dominated global maritime trade during the final months of 2025, with US tariffs driving cargo contraction and port charge retaliations from China. A Busan truce offered some relief while Red Sea trials conducted by Maersk and CMA CGM hinted at normalization; container rates continued to surge amid delays highlighting persistent disruptions.

Suez Canal

US-China Trade Truce Will Transform Maritime Logistics as Tariff Tensions Ease

US and China trade officials struck an historic trade deal to suspend port fees to retaliate starting November 10, 2025, to the delight of maritime operators. There appeared some relief after hundreds of massive containers were disrupted spanning months to have reached a turning point recently, as charges could be increased without congressional families.