Global ocean freight bookings plunge amid tariff uncertainty

Ocean container freight bookings collapsed in early April, following a brief surge earlier in the year driven by shippers trying to get ahead of tariff increases, according to container tracking company Vizion.

Data shows global booking volumes dropped 49 per cent between the final week of March and the first week of April. U.S. imports plunged 64 per cent in the same period, with imports from China falling by the same amount. U.S. exports also saw steep declines, down 30 per cent overall and 36 per cent to China.

The sharp pullback aligns with two major policy developments: the U.S. announced new tariffs on April 4, followed by retaliatory measures from China the next day. On April 10, the White House clarified that effective tariffs on Chinese goods now total 145 per cent.

“The result was a widespread booking freeze, as shippers paused mid-shipment cycle to reassess costs, timelines and broader trade strategy,” the report states.

Discretionary imports such as apparel and textiles saw steep declines, with U.S. bookings down 59 per cent for apparel and accessories, and 57 per cent for wool, fabrics and textiles. Industrial materials from China also took a hit—plastics were down 45.4 per cent, copper 31.1 per cent, and wood products 24 per cent.

Despite a strong start to 2025 and volumes still up 30 per cent year-over-year, analysts expect continued volatility through the rest of the year, with shifting demand and sourcing strategies as shippers adapt to a rapidly changing trade landscape.