With Donald Trump’ s return to the international political scene and the announcement of new trade tariffs in 2025, the world is once again looking at economic protectionism with concern.

The United States has recently imposed new customs tariffs on strategic products such as technology, automobiles, steel, aluminum and textiles from Asia on strategic products such as technology, automobiles, steel, aluminum and textiles from Asia, particularly China and Southeast Asia.

The reaction of global trade has not been long in coming: uncertainty in the stock markets, readjustment of logistics strategies by large multinational companies and a direct impact on international shipping, which continues to be the backbone of world trade.

In this context, the aim of this article is to provide a clear view of how these changes affect shipping lines, ports and logistics operators, and what companies in the sector can do to adapt and take advantage of the opportunities that arise.

Tariffs: maritime trade as the first line of impact

Maritime transport is the natural channel through which more than 80% of global goods circulate. With the imposition of new tariffs, the effects on this sector are immediate:

Increased logistics costs

Tariff barriers make the final price of goods more expensive, resulting in lower volumes of trade between certain countries. As a result, shipping lines face cost overruns, freight readjustments and revisions to their most profitable routes.

Changes in trade routes

Some traditional routes, such as Asia-US, are experiencing a drop in demand, while others, such as Asia-Latin America or Europe-Africa, may gain prominence.

Instability in shipping operations

Large shipping lines face blank sailings, container overcapacity in some ports and congestion in others. Fleet balance is disrupted, creating global logistics management problems.

Resetting of key ports

Strategic hubs such as Algeciras, Rotterdam, Tangier Med, the Suez Canal or Singapore are experiencing fluctuations in the flow of goods. Some could see their activity decline, while others are positioning themselves as emerging alternatives.

Spanish ports: between challenge and opportunity in the face of tariffs

In the case of Spain, the ports of Algeciras, Valencia, Barcelona and Bilbao play a fundamental role as gateways for international trade.

Risks

• Decrease in goods with origin or destination in the U.S., especially in sectors such as automotive or agri-food.
• Logistics risk for exporting and importing companies that depend on transatlantic flows.

Opportunities

• Strategic repositioning as redistribution points to Africa or South America.
• Capture of diverted traffic from ports that are saturated or affected by restrictions.

How can Interseas Naval Service help?

In a scenario of change like the current one, Interseas offers flexible and customized logistics solutions, adapted to the evolution of maritime trade:

• Advice on new routes and alternative ports.
• Port agency services , customs management and provisioning in strategic ports.
• Constant monitoring of transit times and freight costs.

Industry reactions to tariffs and adjustments

The international logistics sector is already taking action in the face of the new protectionist scenario:

Large shipping companies

• Maersk has announced a route redesign plan to optimize costs and avoid areas affected by tariffs.
• MSC and Hapag-Lloyd are strengthening their services on emerging routes, especially between Asia and Africa.

Contractual adjustments

• Renegotiation of charter and marine insurance contracts in view of the increase in risks.
• Introduction of flexibility clauses in tariffs and delivery conditions.

Changes in the supply chain

• Relocation of factories from China to Vietnam, India or Mexico to avoid tariffs.
• Creation of new, more resilient regional logistics hubs.

Conclusion: what now?

The new wave of protectionism reflected in the new tariff policy spearheaded by the United States poses obvious challenges for maritime trade, but also opens the door to a reconfiguration of the global logistics map.

For logistics operators, freight forwarders and maritime service companies, this is a time for:

• Analyze your goods flows in depth.
• Explore alternative routes and diversify suppliers.
• Invest in technology and predictive analytics.

At Interseas Naval Service, we are ready to help you keep your operations under control, even in environments of great uncertainty.

Our knowledge of the Spanish and international maritime sector allows us to advise you quickly and accurately.

Is your company affected by tariff changes in international trade? At Interseas we help you to keep your maritime operations under control, even in contexts of uncertainty. Contact us now if you need advice or operational consulting.