Major new U.S. shipping policies are here — and they’re shaking global trade.
In this special two-part episode of the Freight Buyers’ Club, produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group, we break down the latest U.S. tariffs, port fee changes, and policy strategy shifts that are reshaping global trade, logistics and freight.

In Part One: Tactical Insights for Shippers & Importers
We’re joined by:
➡️ Cindy Allen, CEO of Trade Force Multiplier & former CBP/FedEx exec
➡️ Peter Sand, Chief Analyst at Xeneta

Topics covered:
✔️ New U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports
✔️ De minimis changes (under $800 rules)
✔️ SME survival strategies amid tariff chaos
✔️ How shipping companies are adapting
✔️ What this means for the Transpac contract season

⚓ In Part Two: The Strategy Behind the Chaos (from 35.00)
We talk to:
➡️ John McCown, maritime veteran, author & former liner exec
➡️ Sal Mercogliano, maritime historian & creator of What’s Going on With Shipping

We dig into:
✔️ The White House plan to rebuild U.S. maritime dominance
✔️ Controversial port fees on Chinese-built vessels
✔️ Shipbuilding policy & Jones Act barriers
✔️ America’s maritime labour crisis
✔️ U.S. rejection of IMO emissions rules
✔️ Section 301 investigations & chokepoint strategy

LINKS & RESOURCES:

Ep. 39 with NRF’s Jon Gold: #39 The White House Kid: Tariff On, Tariff Off https://youtu.be/aIOrTc_v3oY

: Tariffs On, Tariffs Off? Jon Gold (NRF) Explains Retail Supply Chain Chaos https://youtu.be/mHLNTSxmPDA

Executive Order: Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/restoring-americas-maritime-dominance/

What do YOU think?
Will these new policies protect American shipping — or choke it? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

️ Listen to Freight Buyers’ Club wherever you get your podcasts.
Subscribe for weekly deep dives into global trade & shipping.
Hit the YouTube bell so you don’t miss what’s next.

Episode in more detail:

00:00 Introduction to the Freight Buyers Club

01:37 Introduction to Today's Two-Part Episode

02:11 Cindy Allen's Background and Expertise

02:35 Discussion on US Tariffs and Trade Policies

03:58 Peter Sand's Analysis on Container Markets

11:04 Impact of Tariffs on US Businesses

19:48 Challenges Faced by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

23:31 Changes in De Minimis Exemptions

28:23 Global Container Shipping Market Trends and US Port Fees

Part 2 (35.00)

36.05 Trump’s Maritime Policies – Pros & Cons

41:53 Executive Order and Maritime Prosperity Zones

42:16 Political Dynamics in US Shipping Policy

43:00 International Collaboration in Shipbuilding

45:09 Chinese Built Ships and US Ports Fees

45:58 US Trade Representative's Revised Plan

47:10 Industry Reactions to New Shipping Fees

55:31 Challenges in US Shipbuilding and Seafarer Pool

01:04:25 US Rejection of IMO Emissions Rules

01:06:12 Federal Maritime Commission's Role and Future