Shenzhen, April 23, 2025 – Recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump suggest a potential thaw in U.S.-China trade tensions, with possible tariff reductions that could significantly benefit the freight forwarding industry, particularly for shipping from China to USA. Speaking at a White House event on April 22, 2025, Trump indicated that tariffs on Chinese goods, currently at 145%, could be “substantially reduced” if a trade deal is reached, though they would not drop to zero.
For companies like Welltrans Logistics, headquartered in Shenzhen, this development could lower costs and streamline operations for clients relying on efficient shipping from China to USA. The international logistics sector has faced challenges from high tariffs, which inflate costs for importers and complicate customs processes. A reduction in tariffs could ease financial pressures, enabling forwarders to offer more competitive ocean freight rates, such as those for 20’ and 40’ containers from Shanghai, Ningbo, or Qingdao to U.S. ports like Los Angeles and New York.
Trump’s comments signal a shift from his administration’s earlier hardline stance. “We’ll be very friendly with China,” he said, emphasizing that negotiations would avoid contentious issues and focus on mutual economic benefits. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed this sentiment at a private investor conference, calling the current tariff levels—145% on Chinese goods and 125% on U.S. products—“unsustainable” and urging both nations to de-escalate.
The freight forwarding industry, a backbone of global trade, stands to gain from any tariff relief. High tariffs have increased costs for B2C and B2B shipments, with additional customs delays affecting time-sensitive cargo like electronics and apparel. Welltrans Logistics, specializing in LCL, FCL, and air freight, has navigated these challenges by optimizing routes and leveraging technology for real-time cargo tracking. “Lower tariffs would allow us to pass savings to our clients, making shipping from China to USA more affordable,” said a Welltrans spokesperson.
Analysts note that tariff reductions could also counterbalance recent U.S. policies, such as the elimination of the $800 de minimis exemption for Chinese parcels starting May 2, 2025, which has disrupted e-commerce shipments. For logistics providers, fewer trade barriers could enhance demand for door-to-door services, particularly for U.S. destinations like Chicago, Dallas, and Toronto, where Welltrans offers competitive rates starting at USD 2.6/cbm for sea freight and USD 9/kg for air freight.
China’s Ministry of Commerce has yet to respond formally, but past statements emphasize a willingness to negotiate fair trade terms. Beijing has consistently advocated for the removal of U.S. tariffs to foster stable economic ties, a move that could benefit freight forwarders handling routes to the U.S. West and East Coasts. However, some U.S. stakeholders argue that tariffs remain a necessary tool to address trade imbalances, creating uncertainty about the timeline for any deal.
As negotiations loom, Welltrans Logistics is preparing for potential shifts in the trade landscape. By maintaining robust services from Chinese ports to the U.S., including partnerships with major carriers, the company aims to capitalize on any tariff reductions to enhance its shipping from China to USA offerings. “Our goal is to deliver cost-effective, reliable logistics solutions, and a trade deal would only strengthen our ability to do so,” the spokesperson added.
The prospect of lower tariffs offers hope for the freight forwarding industry, but the path forward depends on diplomatic progress. For now, businesses relying on shipping from China to USA can look to Welltrans Logistics for expert guidance and tailored solutions in an evolving global market.
Published by Welltrans Logistics on April 23, 2025
