A decisive year for world trade

Imports in 2025 look set to be a turning point for international trade, with the United States and China at the center of trade tensions. New tariff policies, technological restrictions and the reconfiguration of supply chains are redefining the global flow of goods.

All this has a direct impact on maritime transport, where import and export volumes dictate the operation of routes, ports and shipping lines.

This article analyzes how imports will evolve in 2025 between the US and China, and what consequences this context generates in international port logistics, especially in Europe and Spain.

The new trade chessboard: tariffs, restrictions and repositionings

United States

Following the return of a protectionist approach, the U.S. administration has imposed new tariffs on strategic Chinese products: technology, batteries, electric vehicles, machinery and electronic components.

According to the U.S. Trade Representative, these measures are aimed at protecting domestic industry and curbing technological dependence on the Asian country.

This has generated:

• Reduction in the volume of imports from China.
• Supplier diversification to Mexico, India and Southeast Asia.
• Incentives for the relocation of factories on U.S. soil (reshoring).

China

In response, China has strengthened its trade network with other partners such as Russia, Africa and Latin America, in addition to reinforcing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It is also boosting:

• Exports of finished products to third countries with lower tariff pressure.
• Logistics investments in strategic ports in Europe, Asia and Africa, as part of its geo-economic strategy.

According to the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), these actions are intended to guarantee stable routes in the face of external blockades.

Logistical impact: how this affects maritime transport

The trade battle between the two powers is transforming maritime geography:

Reconfigured routes

• Drop in direct transpacific traffic (China–USA).
• Increase in indirect routes: Asia-Latin America-US or Asia-Middle East-Europe.
• Ports like Singapur, Tánger Med or Algeciras gain prominence as intermediate nodes.

Containers and overcapacity

• Drastic variations in demand have generated imbalances in container availability.
• Some shipping lines are experiencing overcapacity on traditional routes and congestion on alternative routes.

Costs and time

• Fluctuations in ocean freight rates, especially on Asian routes, according to the Drewry World Container Index.
• Readjustment in transit times and logistics costs to adapt to new import flows.

Effects in Europe and Spain: risks and opportunities

Spain, as a key point of trade between Asia, Africa and Europe, is particularly affected:

Risks

• Volatility in the traffic of goods from China.
• Lower volume in some technological products or intermediate manufactures.
• Dependence on indirect exports to the U.S. through European hubs.

Opportunities

• Repositioning of ports such as Algeciras, Valencia and Barcelona on alternative routes.
• Capture of traffic diverted from the United Kingdom or northern European ports.
• Increased interest in logistics platforms in Free Trade Zones and Port Logistics Parks.

According to Puertos del Estado, the main Spanish logistics enclaves are strengthening their intermodal offer and services for foreign trade.

In this changing environment, Interseas Naval Service offers:

• Agency, freight forwarding and maritime supply services.
• Advice on customs operations, documentation and adaptation to import regulations.
• Optimization of routes and transits with strategic vision.

Industry reactions and global adaptations

Large shipping companies

• Maersk y MSC have strengthened their logistics networks in Asia outside China.
• CMA CGM is committed to developing alternative routes through Turkey and Greece.
• COSCO is positioning itself in African ports to channel new Chinese exports.

Retail and industry adaptation

• Multinationals redistribute logistics centers to reduce dependence on China.
• Growing interest in the Nearshoring and dual sourcing.
• Sectors such as automotive, pharmaceuticals and textiles are reviewing their sourcing strategies.

Technology in the service of resilience

• Increased use of artificial intelligence and digital twins to simulate logistics scenarios.
• Investments in collaborative digital platforms between shippers and logistics operators.
• Improved traceability and risk prediction with technologies such as blockchain.

Conclusion: keys to imports in 2025 and beyond

The trade pulse between the United States and China regarding imports in 2025 redefines the rules of the game in international maritime trade. The year 2025 confirms that logistics must be more flexible, resilient and technologically prepared.

Companies that know how to anticipate, diversify their flows and adapt to new regulations will be at a competitive advantage. And on this path, Interseas Naval Service is your strategic ally to face the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities of the new global context.

📩 Is your supply chain affected by geopolitical changes? Contact us and let’s adapt your logistics strategy together.