Maersk warns Canadian importers to brace for peak-season disruptions, tariff changes

Canadian importers and exporters should expect continued supply chain turbulence heading into peak season, with new tariff measures, port congestion and inland transport bottlenecks adding cost and complexity, according to Maersk’s latest North America market update.

The global shipping giant said low water levels on the St. Lawrence River are limiting vessel capacity into Canada, complicating planning for businesses already navigating variable lead times and shifting trade flows. On the East Coast, congestion around Montreal is being compounded by major road construction at Turcot, Ville Marie and the La Fontaine Tunnel, while high dwell times in Newark are slowing Canada-bound rail cargo.

Reefer trucking into Canada is especially tight. Maersk urged shippers to book refrigerated equipment earlier than usual and build up safety stock to buffer against late arrivals. The company also recommended flexible Montreal delivery windows and considering alternative inland ramps or gateways to avoid bottlenecks.

“Plan Canada moves with added lead time and keep Montreal delivery windows flexible to account for variable discharge and roadworks,” the company said in its update.

The report comes as Ottawa moves to ease some trade frictions. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that, effective Sept. 1, tariffs on most U.S.-origin goods under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) will be lifted, though 25 per cent duties remain in place for steel, aluminum and automotive products. Maersk said Canadian importers should review sourcing strategies to take advantage of the relief once full Canada Border Services Agency guidance is released.

At the same time, shippers are grappling with the fallout from Washington’s suspension of the de minimis exemption for small parcels, which previously allowed duty-free clearance for goods under US$800. Maersk said the change is particularly disruptive for e-commerce and small parcel flows, increasing the need for customs brokerage and accurate product classification.

Inland logistics in Canada remain active, supported by sustained West Coast volumes and steady demand across retail and wholesale sectors. Ground freight activity is showing early signs of recovery following tariff-related slowdowns, aided by a gradual rebound in construction and manufacturing. Maersk advised businesses to secure mid-term capacity now, especially in Western Canada and along infrastructure-heavy corridors, to guard against sudden spikes in demand.

Warehousing conditions across North America remain mixed, with smaller facilities still tight while larger spaces are more flexible. Bonded and free trade zone-enabled facilities are seeing increased demand as shippers seek to defer duties and manage landed costs. Maersk said Canadian businesses should reassess inventory positioning and consider diversifying distribution across multiple port entries to reduce risk.

Despite the challenges, Maersk reported its East-West Gemini network continues to post strong schedule reliability, with 100 per cent performance into the U.S. West Coast and 93.1 per cent into the East Coast, both well above industry averages.

The company cautioned that volatility will persist through the remainder of 2025 as tariff regimes shift and seasonal surges test capacity. It urged Canadian companies to pressure-test their supply chains, build visibility into their logistics networks and keep contingency plans ready.