First Tariff Shock Set To Hit Port Of Los Angeles With Ripple Effects Across Economy

Ocean freight transit times from Shanghai to Los Angeles typically range from 14 to 40 days, with faster services—such as CMA CGM's expedited routes—delivering containers in as little as three weeks. With 145% tariffs now applied to most Chinese imports, the full economic impact will likely emerge with a lag of about a month or more as reduced import volumes and supply chain disruptions begin to take effect. Early high-frequency indicators already suggest those disruptions are imminent.

Let's review the key trade war developments since President Trump, following "Liberation Day" on April 2, announced a tsunami of tariff hikes on Chinese imports to 145% on April 11.

Adding to the conversation, FreightWaves CEO Craig Fuller posted on X that trucking activity at the LA Port, the largest container port in the Western Hemisphere, has just plunged.

“Year-over-year trucking activity out of Los Angeles down 23%.  It will likely drop to 50% in the coming weeks if there isn't trade war resolution.  Massive layoffs coming to the West Coast trucking sector.”

- Craig Fuller @FreightAlley
https://x.com/FreightAlley/status/1915241614798110946

https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/it-begins-brace-first-wave-tariff-shock-port-los-angeles
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