- China’s Port Activity Slows as Air Cargo Continues to Rise.
- Chinese Ports See First Weekly Decline Since Lunar New Year.
- Export Trends Adjust as China Responds to Tariff Changes.
China’s ports handled 244 million tonnes of cargo last week, representing a 10 per cent slip from a week earlier and a 4 per cent fall from the same period a year ago, based on data issued by the Ministry of Transport on Apr 14. It is the first week-on-week decline since the Chinese New Year holiday, after weeks of robust momentum, reports Business Times.
Strong First Quarter Performance
Although export performance in China slowed last week, it was sturdy during the first quarter of 2025. Overseas-shipped goods recorded value growth of close to 6 per cent in the year’s first quarter, indicating still steady global demand and robust factory output.
Container Movement Eases, Air Cargo Surges
The volume of containers handled at Chinese ports also experienced a weekly decline. Air cargo business, however, continued to be strong, with international air freight flights rising by over 30 per cent for the ninth straight week. The change indicates increased demand for faster shipping modes due to changing trade patterns.
Tariff Developments Shape Export Strategy
The data represents the first official look at exporter behaviour since the new US tariff announcements on Apr 2. Though hundreds of billions of dollars worth of Chinese products might attract extra tariffs of as much as 145 per cent, last-minute exemptions announced over the weekend for certain products have brought some comfort.
Policy Shifts Ahead
The US “de minimis” exemption for small parcels is expected to change next month, which may impact exporters’ logistics plans. Businesses are proactively modifying their operations to conform to these changes while still seeking diversified markets and shipping options.
Looking Forward
While China is making its way into these shifts in the international trading landscape, it will be keenly observed by analysts how the exporters shift to maintain stability in trade volume and supply chain robustness.
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Source: Business Times
