The mutual tariff reduction measures between China and the United States officially took effect on the 14th. American businesses are seizing the 90-day "shipment window" to frantically place orders with Chinese manufacturers. Some companies have already begun stockpiling goods for the year-end sales season, including Thanksgiving and Christmas. Chinese cross-border e-commerce platforms are experiencing an "explosive surge" in orders, while shipping companies anticipate a sharp increase in demand, with container ship space approaching full capacity.
However, analysts point out that future tariff policies and the direction of the U.S. economy remain "highly uncertain." The Trump administration's tendency for abrupt policy reversals remains a "ticking time bomb" affecting many small U.S. business owners.
Cross-border trade chain reactions triggered by tariff adjustments
American companies are rushing to place orders with Chinese manufacturers during the 90-day "shipment window," often demanding production completion within one month to account for the subsequent month-long ocean transit.
U.S. firms scramble to stockpile goods
The Wall Street Journal reported that Mark Barrocas, CEO of U.S. home appliance manufacturer SharkNinja, immediately directed Chinese factories to release goods bound for the U.S.—including coffee machines and cold beverage makers—after learning of the tariff agreement. Barrocas noted that hundreds of containers had been stuck at ports and could now finally be shipped.
Retailers typically import goods for Thanksgiving's "Black Friday" and Christmas sales between July and mid-October. Now, many are ordering early to hedge against potential policy changes after the 90-day window. Last year, nearly one-fifth of U.S. retail sales occurred during the Christmas season.
Reuters reported that Tesla plans to resume shipping Chinese-made auto parts to the U.S. starting this month for its autonomous Cybercab taxi and Semi electric truck production. Previously, Tesla halted shipments due to U.S. tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese goods.
Costs ignored: Air freight becomes an option
Alibaba's international B2B platform, Alibaba.com, saw orders skyrocket. Wang Li, general manager of Shenzhen Maiqijia Home Furnishings, revealed that orders on the 13th alone equaled half a month's typical volume, with eight containers expected to ship to the U.S. this week.
"Some urgent clients are even willing to pay for air freight," Wang said, adding that U.S. clients are stockpiling three to four months' worth of inventory due to lingering tariff uncertainties.
Shenzhen Fungoofun Innovation Technology, specializing in colorful 3D polymer material bags, reported that all sales staff were overwhelmed with U.S. shipments. Shanghai Wareda Sunshade Equipment's Ding Linfeng received over RMB 1 million in U.S. orders overnight, with clients demanding production within a month to meet the tight shipping window.
Frequent changes in policies leave U.S. small business owners in dilemma
As orders surge, shipping costs have spiked. Jefferies Group's analysts noted that trans-Pacific freight rates rose from US$2,000 per 40-foot container in mid-April to US$2,500 this week.
Flexport founder Ryan Petersen reported a 35% jump in China-U.S. sea freight orders since the tariff announcement, with container space nearing full capacity by late May.
Despite the temporary relief, Bloomberg highlighted that U.S. small businesses still face high tariffs and policy instability. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce warned that even with suspended tariffs, small enterprises remain vulnerable to rising costs and operational disruptions under Trump's unpredictable trade policies.
(Source: Ta Kung Pao, Forbes China, Bloomberg, Reuters)
Related News:
Trump continues pressure, cuts Harvard University's funding by US$450 mn
Deepline | Sigh of relief: Global trade recovers after Donald Trump steps back on tariffs
Comment