Experts encourage shippers to use strategic partnerships to navigate "trade war 2.0"

Shipping experts from Container xChange are advising importers to make use of strategic partnerships to navigate what they’re calling “trade war 2.0.”

Container xChange said shippers and container traders should expect higher prices, longer delivery times, and – though container prices may spike in the short term – shrinking demand for both containers and imports as consumers begin to feel cost increases. Experts have been warning for months that smaller businesses will likely feel the contraction the most. 

“The trade war is set to intensify in 2025, creating major challenges for global supply chains," Container xChange CEO Christian Roeloffs said. "A key consequence will be rising shipping costs and transit times, which will particularly strain smaller container trading and leasing businesses.” 

Roeloffs said there might be higher profits for leasing companies in the short term, but over time costs trickling down to consumers will percolate through the economy and drive down demand. 

"Strategic partnerships across multiple geographies are now critical for businesses to remain resilient against mounting trade, economic, and demand pressures," he said. 

There are a number of scenarios in which such partnerships would be beneficial for U.S. shippers …