First Chinese Cargo Ships Arrive at U.S. Ports Under Trump’s 145% Tariffs, Stirring Trade and Supply Chain Concerns

The first wave of Chinese freight ships carrying goods subject to President Donald Trump’s newly imposed 145%-plus tariffs has reached U.S. shores, unloading at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, two of the busiest trade hubs in the country.

The arrival of seven ships, carrying more than 12,000 shipping containers, marks a pivotal moment in a trade battle that has escalated sharply since early April. The shipments include goods destined for major U.S. retailers such as Amazon, Home Depot, Ikea, Ralph Lauren, Tractor Supply, Procter & Gamble, LG, and Samsung.

Tariff-Tagged Goods Begin to Hit American Soil

Among the imported products are housewares, consumer electronics, furniture, clothing, and essential home appliances. Amazon’s containers alone include refrigerators, deep fryers, bookshelves, and sofas, along with a variety of goods sold through its third-party marketplace.

Tractor Supply received shipments containing garden tools, men’s work boots, and industrial fans, while Home Depot has already processed ceiling fans and lighting fixtures through customs.

Samsung and LG goods also arrived in volume, including microwaves, printed circuit boards, refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines. Apparel items from Ralph Lauren, such as cashmere sweaters and blazers, were among the flagged imports.

Industry Response to Rising Tariff Burden

Tractor Supply, in response to inquiries, referred to its April 24 earnings call, where executives warned of “notable uncertainty” stemming from the tariff regime. The company said it is actively engaging with vendors and supply chain partners to manage the policy’s financial impact.

Amazon, in an official statement, emphasized its commitment to supporting sellers and customers, noting that it was adapting operations to maintain affordability and selection in a “rapidly evolving environment.”

Home Depot, currently in a pre-earnings quiet period, reiterated that it is monitoring tariff developments and working closely with vendors to prioritize customer value.

Trump Hints at Tariff Easing—But Still High

President Trump, speaking on Friday ahead of scheduled trade talks in Switzerland, suggested he might be open to reducing the tariff rate to 80%, while reinforcing the administration’s tough stance on China.

“80% Tariff on China seems right! Up to Scott B.,” the President wrote in a Truth Social post, referring to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is expected to meet with Chinese counterparts this weekend.

Supply Chain Paralysis and Freight Declines

While the newly arrived containers replenish depleted inventories, the shipping industry continues to face turbulence. According to Brian Bourke, global chief commercial officer at SEKO Logistics, clients remain confused and cautious, with many holding back new purchase decisions due to the complexity and volatility of the tariff structure.

“Scenario planning has become a full-time activity,” Bourke said. “Some clients had already sold products that are only now arriving, and they cannot adjust prices retroactively.”

The uncertainty has triggered a marked decline in transpacific shipping activity. The number of blank sailings—trips canceled by freight carriers—has surged, particularly on the Asia-North America trade lanes.

Data from Sea-Intelligence indicates there were 90 blank sailings in April and May alone, with Ocean Alliance—a consortium including COSCO, OOCL, Evergreen, and CMA CGM—accounting for more than half.

Major Carriers Shift to Smaller Vessels

As demand weakens and order volumes shrink, ocean freight carriers have resorted to deploying smaller vessels. MSC, the world's largest ocean carrier, has slashed container capacity on key Asia-to-U.S. routes by 28% year-over-year. The Gemini Alliance—a joint venture between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd—has made similar reductions.

According to the Global Port Tracker report released Friday by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates, U.S. container imports are projected to decline for the first time since 2023 due to the tariff fallout.

Retailers Enter a 'Wait-and-See' Mode

Bourke cautioned that many importers are relying on current shipments to replenish essential stocks, but are hesitant to commit to further imports under the current policy conditions. “The big question now is: What happens when these safety stocks run out?” he said.

With tariffs still clouding the economic outlook, industry leaders and consumers alike are bracing for potential shortages, price hikes, and further disruptions in the months ahead.