The Great American Shipping Reset: Tariffs, Port Fees & Policy Fallout

Major new U.S. shipping policies are here — and they’re shaking global trade. In this special two-part episode of the Freight Buyers’ Club, produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group, we break down the latest U.S. tariffs, port fee changes, and policy strategy shifts that are reshaping global trade, logistics and freight. In Part One: Tactical Insights for Shippers & Importers We’re joined by: ➡️ Cindy Allen, CEO of Trade Force Multiplier & former CBP/FedEx exec ➡️ Peter Sand, Chief Analyst at Xeneta Topics covered: ✔️ New U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports ✔️ De minimis changes (under $800 rules) ✔️ SME survival strategies amid tariff chaos ✔️ How shipping companies are adapting ✔️ What this means for the Transpac contract season ⚓ In Part Two: The Strategy Behind the Chaos (from 35.00) We talk to: ➡️ John McCown, maritime veteran, author & former liner exec ➡️ Sal Mercogliano, maritime historian & creator of What’s Going on With Shipping We dig into: ✔️ The White House plan to rebuild U.S. maritime dominance ✔️ Controversial port fees on Chinese-built vessels ✔️ Shipbuilding policy & Jones Act barriers ✔️ America’s maritime labour crisis ✔️ U.S. rejection of IMO emissions rules ✔️ Section 301 investigations & chokepoint strategy   LINKS & RESOURCES: Ep. 39 with NRF’s Jon Gold: #39 The White House Kid: Tariff On, Tariff Off https://youtu.be/aIOrTc_v3oY : Tariffs On, Tariffs Off? Jon Gold (NRF) Explains Retail Supply Chain Chaos https://youtu.be/mHLNTSxmPDA Executive Order: Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/restoring-americas-maritime-dominance/ What do YOU think? Will these new policies protect American shipping — or choke it? Drop your thoughts in the comments. ️ Listen to Freight Buyers’ Club wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe for weekly deep dives into global trade & shipping. Hit the YouTube bell so you don’t miss what’s next. Episode in more detail: 00:00 Introduction to the Freight Buyers Club 01:37 Introduction to Today's Two-Part Episode 02:11 Cindy Allen's Background and Expertise 02:35 Discussion on US Tariffs and Trade Policies 03:58 Peter Sand's Analysis on Container Markets 11:04 Impact of Tariffs on US Businesses 19:48 Challenges Faced by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 23:31 Changes in De Minimis Exemptions 28:23 Global Container Shipping Market Trends and US Port Fees   Part 2 (35.00) 36.05 Trump’s Maritime Policies – Pros & Cons 41:53 Executive Order and Maritime Prosperity Zones 42:16 Political Dynamics in US Shipping Policy 43:00 International Collaboration in Shipbuilding 45:09 Chinese Built Ships and US Ports Fees 45:58 US Trade Representative's Revised Plan 47:10 Industry Reactions to New Shipping Fees 55:31 Challenges in US Shipbuilding and Seafarer Pool 01:04:25 US Rejection of IMO Emissions Rules 01:06:12 Federal Maritime Commission's Role and Future