Global tariffs impacting supply chains

Over the last period of time, there has been a significant uptake in changes to tariffs and legislation on a global plane. As your logistics partner, we endeavor to keep you informed of changes and how they may impact on your supply chain.

On February 1, 2025, the United States government announced the implementation of tariffs on all Canada-origin, Mexico-origin and China-origin goods entering the United States. These tariffs are being applied under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

The 10% tariff on all China-origin goods entering the U.S. took effect on February 4. Canada and Mexico imports tariff will be delayed one month. Currently, there is no expiry or revisitation date on the tariffs and no opportunity for tariff exemption. A fact sheet from the U.S. government can be found here.

We recognize that these changes may create uncertainty in supply chains, and we're dedicated to assisting you in managing these challenges. We offer Impact Analysis to assess how these potential tariffs could affect your business, as well as Trade Advisory Services under our Customs House Brokerage product that provide strategic sourcing and contingency planning advice.

Today, we’d like to provide clarity on frequently asked questions about the new import tariffs and outline the solutions available to you:

Lead Logistics

Maersk's Lead Logistics products offer robust support to our customers through our carrier-neutral 3PL service, enabling collaboration with shippers and vendors across the globe. Additionally, we provide a compliant Duty Deduction program that leverages a landmark binding ruling to reduce U.S. import duties by recognizing 29 allowable charges for deduction. This program is integrated with our Customs House Brokerage services, ensuring efficient and effective duty management.

Air Freight

Maersk Air Freight utilizes our own controlled freighter network and global strategic partners to deliver quick and efficient transportation of goods across the globe. We ensure safe and reliable service through a network of hubs and gateways, including operations throughout China and North America. We also provide CFS warehouse solutions at our hubs, allowing for the handling of import cargo pending Customs clearance.

Less than Container Load (LCL)

Our LCL services address your small shipments to and from any global location, adapting to your changing sourcing needs. Our services include consolidation and deconsolidation, allowing you to group smaller shipments and reduce transaction costs. You can also access instant online quotes and benefit from door-to-door services, simplifying your international shipping experience.

Intermodal

We are ready and available to support you in flexing up capacity through our drayage asset network or flex down capacity by providing storage solutions through depot services, both of which include national coverage.

Warehousing

We partner with our customs colleagues to assess various network options, ensuring the optimal supply chain solution for your business considering the recent announcements regarding 321 (De Minimis), potential tariffs, and the general need for added flexibility. We manage the flow of products to your inland and final destinations through our transload centers located in key import gateways, including Redlands, Houston, Vancouver, Seattle, Burlington, Savannah, and Chesapeake. We can also quickly activate short- and long-term warehouse solutions in our existing facilities in Redlands, Seattle, Savannah, and Burlington to help you transition fulfillment of orders back to the U.S. and reduce tariff impact.

Ground freight

Maersk Freight Brokerage collaborates with 58 bonded FTL dry van and reefer carriers to meet your cross-border transportation needs to and from Canada and Mexico. We also partner with four bonded standard LTL carriers for Canada and Mexico cross-border shipments. This enables us to provide the right coverage and capacity for your FTL and LTL transportation requirements.

E-Commerce Parcel Delivery

Maersk Parcel Delivery ensures seamless national coverage by leveraging a dynamic network of national and regional carriers. Our advanced technology selects the best available carrier and routing options, adapting in real time to maintain uninterrupted service—even in the face of market disruptions or carrier issues. With built-in flexibility, our solution continuously optimizes the delivery network to ensure the fastest and most reliable path for every parcel. It also quickly adjusts to evolving tax and trade policies keeping deliveries efficient.

For international inbound shipments, we facilitate smooth transitions from major airport gateways and brokers—such as JFK, ORD, and LAX—seamlessly integrating into our North American delivery network for timely, final-mile delivery.

For any questions or assistance, please reach out to your Maersk representative.