Global maritime trade is going through a period of high volatility. Rates are erratic, routes shift on the fly, and tensions between the United States and China are reshaping international logistics. Although the spotlight is on the Transpacific, Colombia is not exempt.
New tariffs and urgent maneuvers
The United States, through the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), imposed new port tariffs that have already cost over $40 million to shipping lines like COSCO and OOCL. These tariffs mainly affect vessels built or operated by China that call at U.S. ports.
In response, China mirrored the move, announcing new regulations set to take effect on November 14. This has triggered a game of “musical chairs” across maritime routes, forcing carriers to redesign their operations.
- Chinese carriers, such as COSCO and OOCL, are pulling China-built vessels from direct services to the U.S. To maintain trade flow, they are transshipping containers through neutral ports, such as Busan (South Korea). This way, cargo continues its journey to the U.S. aboard non-Chinese vessels, avoiding exposure to U.S. tariffs.
- Western carriers—especially those with vessels registered, built, or operated under the U.S. flag—are avoiding calls at Chinese ports, such as Ningbo, to steer clear of the new Chinese tariffs set to apply from November 14 onward.
Chinese regulations effective November 14
China will implement two key measures:
- Tiered tariffs for vessels with U.S. ties (ownership, operation, construction, or flag), reaching up to 1,120 RMB ($157 USD) per net ton by 2028.
- Mandatory reporting of vessel details seven days prior to arrival at Chinese ports.
Although few U.S.-flagged container ships call at China, any vessel partially linked to the U.S. could be affected—prompting operational adjustments across the global maritime network.
What does this mean for Colombia?
Routes between China and Mexico, as well as intra-Asian operations, will also be impacted. This could disrupt cargo flows to Colombian ports like Buenaventura and Cartagena, especially for services that rely on Asian transshipments or China-built vessels.
Carriers such as Maersk, CMA CGM, MSC, and Hapag Lloyd are repositioning vessels away from North American routes. COSCO and OOCL are expected to absorb roughly half of the $3.2 billion in projected tariffs
Higher freight costs, harder traceability
Although base rates haven’t officially increased, freight costs are already rising. Why? Due to extra time costs, forced transshipments at intermediate ports, and operational delays caused by schedule uncertainty and blank sailings (canceled departures).
This complicates logistics traceability, as itineraries change with little notice and tracking systems struggle to update in real time. For Colombian importers, this means greater risk of delays, hidden costs, and contract renegotiations.
What should Colombian importers keep in mind?
While base tariffs remain unchanged, freight rates are reflecting increases driven by operational factors: additional transshipments, extended transit times, blank sailings, and traceability challenges due to shifting schedules and routes.
These elements are creating cumulative costs that affect shipment planning and execution. In this context, having an exporter who anticipates these changes, manages alternative routes, and maintains proactive communication makes a real difference.
For Colombian importers, staying informed and working with logistics partners who understand global dynamics and can adapt quickly is essential. Today’s environment demands not just reaction—but strategic vision.
