Tariffs have always been part of the global trade equation, but 2025 has pushed global logistics into center stage. Between new U.S. rules, shifting sourcing strategies, and a freight market still adjusting to post-pandemic volatility, understanding how tariffs affect logistics isn’t optional—it’s operational. At Coppersmith Global Logistics, we’ve been helping clients interpret and navigate these shifts, and right now, the stakes are higher than ever.
The big headline? Tariffs in 2025 are reshaping trade patterns, capacity planning, and regulatory compliance in real time. Carriers, shippers, and forwarders alike are adjusting their playbooks—not just to cut costs, but to stay compliant.
In April, the U.S. rolled out a universal 10% tariff on most imports, excluding Canada and Mexico. That was followed by steep reciprocal tariffs—up to 125% for China, and additional duties for dozens of countries based on trade deficits or security concerns. But that’s not the only lever being pulled. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been aggressively enforcing rules around shipment origin, valuation, and de minimis thresholds, which used to be reliable workarounds for low-value goods. Those days are done.
The end of the de minimis exemption for China and Hong Kong has sent shockwaves through air cargo, particularly for e-commerce. Some airlines have slashed capacity, and CBP has warned that re-routing shipments through third countries won’t work. They’re turning trucks around. They’re flagging invoices. And yes, they’re denying entry.
If you’re exporting from the U.S., don’t assume you’re in the clear. Undervaluing cargo to avoid tariffs is a red flag, and CBP has made it clear: they’re watching, and they’re auditing. It’s not just about paying duties—it’s about accuracy, transparency, and paper trails that hold up under scrutiny.
Meanwhile, ocean and air carriers are reconfiguring networks. Capacity that once served transpacific lanes is being diverted to Europe. Blank sailings and shifting alliances are making planning even tougher. The result? Delays, rate swings, and less room to play catch-up if your shipment hits a snag.
At Coppersmith, we believe the best way to manage tariffs is to plan around them, not react to them. That means staying current, verifying origin and valuation strategies, and using trade compliance as a competitive edge—not an afterthought.
If you’re trying to make sense of the new tariff environment—or feel like you’re being hit from every side—our team is ready to help. Let’s build a logistics strategy that works under pressure.
