U.S. importers are hesitant to ship from Asia without clarity on new U.S. tariffs that may apply once their goods arrive in North America. After experiencing strong volumes in January and February, including some “front-loading,” carriers may have anticipated lower shipping volumes and a slowdown in year-on-year import growth, leading to the decision to “blank” sailings.

The uncertainty surrounding the tariffs has caused many importers to delay shipments, resulting in higher cancellation rates as carriers adjust to fluctuating demand. This situation underscores the significant impact that tariff policies can have on shipping logistics and market dynamics, contributing to a more cautious approach from both carriers and importers.

On the Transatlantic route, the number of cancelled sailings this March and April is approximately double that of the same period last year, indicating that the uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariffs is further exacerbating the challenges in the shipping market.