What Falling U.S.-Bound Exports and Rising Emerging Market Demand Mean for Shippers

As global trade flows adjust in response to economic shifts and geopolitical tension, importers/exporters and logistics managers are navigating an increasingly complex landscape.

May 2025 marked a new inflection point: according to the Port of Los Angeles, the U.S.’s largest container port saw its lowest monthly cargo volume since March 2023. Gene Seroka, Port of Los Angeles Executive Director, said that the rapidly changing tariff policies have created uncertainty, leading to challenges for consumers, businesses, and workers.

“Buying products out of China right now still costs one-and-a-half times more than it did earlier this year, making products of all types extremely expensive and creating a decision platform for companies that not necessarily is going to be in our best interest as consumers will likely see lower inventories, fewer selections on store shelves, and higher prices in some cases,” he added.

In other news, while U.S.-bound trade is showing signs of softening, China’s export volumes to other markets—including ASEAN, Europe, and Latin America—are gaining steam, which signals major changes in supply chain direction for 2025.

Cargo at the Port of Los Angeles Drops

The Port of Los Angeles handled just 716,619 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in May, a 5% decline from the same month last year. Meanwhile, imports through the Port of Los Angeles fell by 9% compared to the previous year, as President Donald Trump's significant tariffs on Chinese goods led U.S. businesses to cancel or postpone shipments. The trends also indicate soft consumer demand, along with cautious inventory restocking by retailers.

China's Export Pivot

While exports to the United States plunged, other major trading partners are experiencing increases in shipments from China. In fact, many Chinese exporters have already diversified toward emerging markets with more stable or favorable trading relationships.

According to data from China’s General Administration of Customs:

What This Means for Global Logistics and Freight Forwarding

For shippers, manufacturers, and supply chain strategists, the takeaway is clear: the traditional reliance on the U.S. as the primary export destination is evolving. Businesses must diversify their logistics strategies to include multiple regions and transport options.

At the same time, freight forwarding providers must support more multi-market, multi-modal logistics models. Whether it’s navigating new customs procedures in Latin America or optimizing ocean-air transitions for Southeast Asia, agility is now a competitive edge.

Adapting to the New Trade Landscape: What You Can Do

To stay ahead of the curve, here are three practical steps for businesses adapting to this shift:

• Reassess Route Efficiency: Optimize shipping routes and modes based on rising trade corridors. The growth in ASEAN and Latin America offers a chance to rebalance networks.

• Understand Regional Compliance: From customs documentation in Vietnam to bonded warehouse options in Brazil, every region has unique regulatory landscapes.

• Partner with Agile Freight Forwarders: Companies with global networks and experience in emerging markets can help ensure supply chain continuity and cost efficiency.

YQN: Your Global Logistics Partner—U.S., ASEAN, EU, or LATAM

Whether you’re continuing to serve U.S. clients or shifting focus to fast-growing export markets, our team at YQN is ready to help you scale.

Our global logistics capabilities include:

✅ Freight forwarding services for ocean, air, and rail

✅ 25+ branches across the globe with global partner coverage

✅ Expertise in customs clearance, warehousing, and trucking

Should you have any shipping inquiries, please contact us at info@yqn.com. In addition, with access to YQN’s online platform, you can compare and find the most competitive rates even during volatile market conditions.