US Container Terminals Empty, Chinese Seaports See Exports Rise

Year-to-date, the goods and services deficit has increased by $179.3 billion, or 65.7%, compared with the same period in 2024. Exports have increased by $58.4 billion, or 5.5%. Imports have increased by $237.8 billion, or 17.8%, the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) announced on June 5, 2025.

North American container shipments of finished goods from China have plunged in April. Container Trades Statistics Limited (CTS) data for April showed that the total volume of containerized cargo delivered to North American ports fell by 2.9% year over year, while imports to the region fell by 4.7%, according to Drewry.

Source: Drewry, 2025

Turnover in container terminals was only slightly helped by exports. Decreases in import deliveries were offset to some extent by a 1.1% increase in exports. In April, “North America stood out as an outlier, as all other regions had positive growth in total container shipments,” reports Simon Heaney, Senior Manager, Container Research at Drewry.

Sub-Saharan Africa stood out, leading the year-on-year growth charts in April, up 13.6%. Latin America followed with a 12.6% increase.

China is exporting

President Donald Trump’s tariff and non-tariff policies have backfired and failed to hurt China’s foreign trade. In March 2025, China’s exports reached $314 billion, up 12.4% year-on-year. China’s total exports stood at RMB2.39 trillion, with a monthly trade surplus of $103 billion (exports: $314 billion; imports: $211 billion).

– The surge was largely due to increased import supply, as importers moved ahead of the US tariff hikes. Exporters accelerated shipments ahead of the US import tariff hikes, particularly in late March and early April, explains Giulia Interesse of China Briefing.

China’s total exports in April 2025 will reach $314.1 billion (RMB 2.3 trillion), up 8.1% year-on-year in US dollar terms, according to data from China’s General Administration of Customs. While April saw a slowdown from a 12.4% increase in March, it was well above analysts’ expectations of a 1.9% increase, suggesting a resilient export sector despite mounting external pressures.

Źródło: China Briefing, 2025

The “Liberation Day” Effect
In the United States, the “Liberation Day” effect announced by US President Donald Trump was very quickly noticed in ports. Cruise schedules relaxed, and there was a decrease in imports of containerized goods at terminals. What was noticed at the terminals was reflected in the trade balance.

The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) of the United States announced on June 5 that the deficit in trade in goods and services amounted to $61.6 billion in April, a decrease of $76.7 billion compared to $138.3 billion in March (after correction). This was achieved thanks to a drastic decline in imports and an increase in exports. The trade balance was traditionally saved by services.

Source: Visual Capitalist, 2025

US exports in April were $289.4 billion, up $8.3 billion from March exports. Imports in April were $351 billion, down $68.4 billion from March imports. The April decline in the goods and services deficit reflected a $75.2 billion decline in the goods deficit to $87.4 billion and a $1.5 billion increase in the services surplus to $25.8 billion. Year-to-date, the goods and services deficit increased by $179.3 billion, or 65.7%, compared with the same period in 2024. Exports increased by $58.4 billion, or 5.5%. Imports increased by $237.8 billion, or 17.8%, the BEA reported in early June.

Since mid-2025, US tariff policy and the response of other countries to Trump’s actions have caused the situation on the global market to change radically. This is also reflected in maritime transport, and is particularly visible in seaports. The main players in this tariff war are the United States (US), China and the European Union (EU).

– The White House’s erratic trade policy – the very high “reciprocal” US tariffs from early April are now on hold – has disrupted traditional planning cycles and undermined the credibility of forecasts – says Simon Heaney. That is why “In April, Drewry Shipping Consultants Ltd’s forecasts for global port throughput (including cargo traffic, transhipments and empty containers) in 2025 were lowered to -1.0%, but after the trade “truce” they were raised to +1.9%”.

Źródło: China Briefing, 2025

ASEAN, EU and South Asian countries benefited from the tariff war
This reflects the fact that China’s exports to the United States decreased by 21.0%. In contrast to the United States, the Chinese economy defended itself against tariff and non-tariff actions in the American market. China achieved results in trade with ASEAN, EU and South Asian countries.

The countries and, of course, seaports from these regions recorded an increase in the supply of goods from China. The European Union recorded an 8.3% increase in supply from China, ASEAN countries broke a record with a result of +20.8%, and the highest increase was recorded by India (+21.7%). Neighbors also benefited from China’s oversupply, Hong Kong SAR saw an 8.8% increase in supplies from China, and Japan by 7.8%. Canada accounts for a 15% increase in exports. Taiwan increased imports from China by 15.5%.

The above data clearly show China’s changing trade orientation towards alternative and emerging markets. In April this year, there was a 9.5% increase y/y in the category of “mechanical and electrical products”. Export of integrated circuits increased by 14.7%. Export increased by 5.6% y/y in the category – equipment and components for automatic data processing. Export of Chinese cars increased by 4%. On the other hand, export of agricultural products and fertilizers (an increase of over 8%) was directed mainly to ASEAN countries.

Źródło: Drewry, 2025

Exports to Russia (-2.7%) and the United States (-21.0%) were down significantly, reflecting both geopolitical and tariff-related pressures. However, strong performances in ASEAN, the EU and South Asia underscore China’s changing trade orientation towards alternative and emerging markets.

According to Drewry, ports operating in North America will improve their rankings when data for May is released. Increased demand for goods and services due to tariff suspensions and reductions, combined with reduced port activity due to inaccurate information about operator expectations, has caused spot rates from Asia to North America to rise sharply.

Źródło: Shanghai Shipping Exchange (SSE), 06-06-2025