Jaguar Freight | The Weekly Roar – China hits back, truck tariffs, air cargo demand up, fight over the control of global ports, and the evolution of export-ready packaging.

Is China slapping back? The country has amended its maritime regulations, potentially imposing countermeasures such as higher port charges or even barring U.S.-service vessels from Chinese ports. The rules, aimed at countries imposing discriminatory restrictions on Chinese shipping, just raised the stakes in the trans-Pacific trade dispute. In response, some carriers are already shifting vessel deployment. Be prepared for the changes to impact costs, routing, and supply chain resilience for shippers on both sides.

A 25% truck tariff aims to shield U.S. truck manufacturing, even though most trucks are assembled domestically. The kind of impact it will have will hinge on whether the tariff applies to truck parts and if it supersedes the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Several in the industry are warning against stacking tariffs and note that costs have already risen due to previous tariffs. Most heavy truck imports come from Mexico and Canada, and experts expect the new tariff to override USMCA provisions.

Global air cargo demand rose 4.1% year-on-year in August, marking six consecutive months of growth, according to IATA. Capacity increased 3.7%. Growth was strongest for Africa at 11%, Asia-Pacific at +9.8%, and Europe at +3.2%, while North America saw a 2.1% decline. Major trade lanes like Europe–Asia and within Asia posted double-digit gains, while Asia–North America and within Europe declined. Shifts from sea to air for high-value goods and tariff risks supported the continued resilience in air cargo.

CMA CGM chief Rodolphe Saadé recently warned French lawmakers that control of global port terminals is a major geopolitical concern, with the U.S. and China fighting for influence. He says France and Europe need to pay attention. The U.S. is pushing to limit Chinese port stakes, backing bids for major assets like CK Hutchison’s terminals. China argues its investments are commercial, not political, but Europe is tightening scrutiny of Chinese involvement in critical infrastructure. Some experts are saying that Chinese investment has brought benefits, and there’s a question of whether or not all the “risks” of Chinese presence in European ports have been grossly exaggerated.

In 2025, export-ready packaging has been shaped by stricter regulations, tariff changes, and rising demands for sustainability and traceability. Regulatory changes and tariff pressures have made eco-friendly materials, traceable and compliant packaging, and accurate country of origin documentation essential. And this is where technology steps in and plays an important role with automated compliance processes that offer measurable savings and improve adaptability. New trends include lightweight, transparent sourcing and digital proof, helping exporters reduce customs friction. Ultimately, some companies have leveraged regulatory challenges into competitive advantages.

For the rest of the week’s top shipping news, check out the article highlights here.

Compliments of Jaguar Freight – a member of the EACCNY.