Jaguar Freight | The Weekly Roar – The new 50% tariff on Indian exports, rerouted ships, the Suez Canal continues to suffer, suspended U.S.-bound mail, and the digital revolution in maritime.

As of the 27th, President Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian exports. This is double the previous rate and is in retaliation for their continued purchase of Russian oil, making it one of the highest tariffs in the trade war. It’s put significant strain on U.S.-India relations, which have historically been seen as crucial to balancing China’s influence, and threatens about half of India’s exports to its largest market. Prime Minister Modi has vowed to protect Indian farmers and small businesses and is urging exporters to diversify to other regions.

The impact of another trade policy is begining to be felt. Global shipping lines are rerouting fleets to avoid hefty new U.S. port fees on China-linked vessels, which are set to begin on October 14, 2025. Chartering and service changes, like those by the Premier Alliance and OOCL, are shifting Chinese-built ships away from U.S. trades, sometimes to ports in Mexico. While those who back the policy, and say it bolsters U.S. maritime interests, critics are warning that it could hike costs and reduce trade at smaller ports.

The Suez Canal continues to suffer from a huge drop in traffic and revenue due to ongoing Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea, which started almost two years ago. With most major shipping lines rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope, Suez transits have dropped from a pre-crisis monthly average of 500 container ships to just 133 in July, which has slashed their canal revenue by nearly two-thirds, or $4 billion. Efforts are in place to lure back carriers, such as expanded discounts and new support services, but they’ve had limited impact. Except for Chinese vessels, which are reportedly enjoying safe passage thanks to back-channel diplomacy. Despite some optimism, risks and uncertainty remain high.

Ahead of the elimination of the de minimis exemption last Friday, postal carriers across Europe and Asia began suspending or restricting some U.S.-bound shipments, citing unclear guidelines and insufficient time to adapt. The new rules require duties on low-value packages and either match International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs or a fee between $80 and $200. While there are some exemptions for personal gifts under $100, major providers like DHL warn of stricter enforcement. The changes disrupt cost-effective shipping for small e-commerce sellers, though some operators expect to resume services once systems are updated.

The maritime industry continues to evolve rapidly through the development of smart ports and new digital shipping technologies. Thanks to tools like IoT, AI, blockchain, and automation, improvements are being made that boost efficiency, transparency, and sustainability. Smart ports streamline cargo handling, reduce congestion, and enhance infrastructure use. At the same time, digital shipping enables real-time vessel tracking, optimized routing, and electronic documentation, all of which cut errors and delays. Additionally, they lower operational costs and environmental impact by supporting regulatory compliance and supply chain resilience.

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.