June 2025 Global Logistics Recap: Court Rulings, Tariffs & Supply Chain Shifts
Why Prices Are Spiking and Bookings Keep Disappearing
Importers are rushing to move their goods out of China while they still can. The temporary reduction in tariffs has created a narrow 90-day window, and many businesses are doing everything they can to take advantage of it. Some are pushing out backlogged orders that were delayed by the April tariff hike, while others are cutting new purchase orders and asking factories to ramp up quickly. All of this is putting pressure on capacity and driving up rates.
Carriers that pulled vessels off the transpacific trade lanes are now trying to bring ships back. But repositioning takes time. Vessels that were sitting idle or deployed to other regions are now starting to return. Redeployments and the shift back to the Trans-Pacific are expected to ease capacity constraints by the 1st week of July. Some carriers are still fully booked weeks out, and it’s becoming more common to see shipments rolled or canceled. Spot rates are increasing fast and premium space is no longer a luxury, it’s becoming the baseline.
At the same time, warehouse space is filling up again. Bonded warehouses and foreign trade zones are in especially high demand. For shippers, this all adds up to one thing. Planning ahead is no longer optional. Importers that wait too long to book risk missing the window entirely or paying more than expected just to get on a vessel. The more visibility you have into your inventory and upcoming purchase orders, the better your odds of staying ahead of this fast-moving market.
Appeals Court Temporarily Reinstates Trump’s IEEPA Tariffs
In a dramatic legal turn, the U.S. tariff landscape was rocked twice in just two days. On May 28, 2025, the United States Court of International Trade (USCIT) ruled that President Trump’s sweeping IEEPA tariffs overstepped presidential authority. The court struck down the tariffs and gave the administration a 10-day deadline, until June 7, to stop collecting them. But the very next day, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit stepped in and issued an administrative stay. This move temporarily reinstated the IEEPA tariffs while the appeal is under review.
This legal tug-of-war impacts a wide range of tariffs including the 10% “universal” tariff on global imports, the 25% and 10% duties on goods from Mexico and Canada, and the 20% and 10% tariffs on many Chinese products. It does not affect tariffs imposed under other laws. Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, autos, and auto parts are still active. Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods from prior trade wars also remain fully in place.
As of today, importers must continue paying the IEEPA tariffs. There is no refund process in place, and filing too early could create risks if the appeal succeeds. The appeals court has asked for written arguments from both sides, with responses due by June 5 and June 9. The court will then decide whether to grant a longer stay or allow the lower court’s injunction to take effect. If the stay is extended, tariffs continue during the full appeal. If it is denied, the government must stop collecting them.
For now, Southern Star Navigation recommends keeping detailed records of all entries and tariff amounts by shipment. This will be essential if refund opportunities become available. Importers should also hold off on making big sourcing or pricing changes until the legal situation is resolved. While the initial court ruling questioned the limits of presidential power under the IEEPA, that decision is now in limbo. The case could eventually reach the Supreme Court, but that would take months and is not guaranteed.
We are continuing to monitor this closely and will provide updates as new rulings come in.
📄 You can view the full 49-page court ruling here: USCIT Case No. 25-66 – PDF
New Routes, New Opportunities: How Carriers Are Responding to Asia Demand
Ocean carriers are moving fast to bring new services online as demand from Asia continues to grow. After a temporary pause in trade lanes due to tariffs and early-year uncertainty, major players are now restoring capacity — and adding new routes — to stay ahead of the surge. Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have teamed up to launch a new express service to the U.S. West Coast starting June 24, connecting Xiamen, Busan, and Long Beach with an 18-day transit time. MSC is also restarting its Empire service to the East Coast from Shanghai, set to resume with weekly sailings mid-June.
These service expansions are part of a broader trend happening across the region. HMM, along with Singapore’s Pacific International Lines and X-Press Feeders, is launching a new loop connecting North China, Singapore, and Indonesia. That weekly service begins June 19 and supports both dry and refrigerated cargo. Routes like these are helping to ease pressure on long-haul capacity by improving feeder connections and strengthening regional trade flows.
At the same time, intra-Asia service levels are rising sharply. Recent data shows double-digit increases in the number of sailings between China and key Southeast Asian markets, including Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand. More ships, more rotation points, and tighter schedules are giving importers additional routing options — especially for those who can shift origin points or take advantage of transshipment hubs.
At Southern Star Navigation, we’re helping our clients stay informed and flexible as these new options open up. Whether it’s adjusting departure ports, shifting volumes to avoid bottlenecks, or booking space on newly added sailings, we’ll work with you to identify the most reliable, cost-effective routing available. If you’ve been waiting for the market to settle, now is the time to explore what’s next.
Silicon Metal Imports Now Under Investigation
Importers moving silicon metal should take this seriously. If you’re unsure whether your product is covered or how it’s classified, now is the time to double-check. Even minor missteps in HTS classification or country of origin can trigger penalties under antidumping and countervailing duty rules. At Southern Star Navigation, we’re helping clients review their documentation, assess risk, and prepare in case duties are imposed later. If your supply chain touches any of the listed countries, we can help you evaluate your exposure and plan accordingly. To read the full CSMS message from U.S. Customs, click here.
The U.S. Department of Commerce has started a new investigation into silicon metal imports from Angola, Australia, Laos, Norway, and Thailand. These cases focus on whether the products are being sold at unfairly low prices or supported by government subsidies, which could harm U.S. manufacturers. The investigation covers most forms of silicon metal with a purity between 85% and 99.99%, excluding semiconductor-grade silicon. If duties are applied, they could be retroactive, impacting shipments already in motion.
CMA CGM Bets on the Suez Again — But Risk Still Looms
CMA CGM is officially rerouting its India–Mediterranean MEDEX service back through the Suez Canal, signaling a cautious return to a more direct path after months of high-risk Red Sea diversions. Starting with the June 7 departure of CMA CGM Palleas from Nhava Sheva, the carrier plans to move at least three ships through the Suez in June and July. The move follows a recent announcement by Egypt’s canal authority offering a 15% discount on transit fees and comes amid claims that Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have eased.
Despite CMA CGM’s confidence, other major carriers remain hesitant. Maersk, for example, still refuses to resume Red Sea transits, citing ongoing concerns about safety and long-term stability. For shippers relying on the India–Med routes, this signals both opportunity and risk: faster transit times may return, but the potential for sudden disruptions still lingers. At Southern Star Navigation, we’re watching these developments closely and advising clients on the safest and most efficient routes — so their cargo arrives on time, without unnecessary detours or cost spikes.
FMCSA Unveils 18 Regulatory Changes to Modernize Trucking Compliance
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has proposed a sweeping set of 18 regulatory changes aimed at modernizing trucking industry standards, easing paperwork burdens, and embracing digital systems for better efficiency. These proposed updates come at a time when carriers are juggling compliance demands alongside an evolving logistics environment. The goal is clear: reduce the red tape, remove outdated rules, and make it easier for carriers and drivers to focus on moving freight safely and efficiently.
Some of the most notable proposals include eliminating the need for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders to self-report traffic violations. With most states now electronically sharing driving records, this requirement is becoming outdated. Another major change involves removing the rule that mandates truckers carry physical instruction manuals for their electronic logging devices (ELDs) in the cab. Instead, digital access will be acceptable. Updates are also being proposed to streamline vehicle inspection reports, simplify license plate illumination rules, and revise outdated language still referencing “water carriers” from earlier regulations.
In addition to paperwork relief, the FMCSA plans to improve how federal and state systems exchange data about drivers and carriers. These changes will help reduce delays caused by mismatched or duplicate records. Enhanced accuracy in electronic data sharing means fewer compliance headaches and faster responses to any safety or operational concerns. The overall tone of the proposed rules is about keeping safety front and center, while also reducing the friction that often slows down drivers and operators due to overly complex or unnecessary administrative tasks.
For trucking companies, 3PLs, and logistics professionals who rely on dependable carrier performance, these updates could help clear the road ahead. More accurate data, clearer rules, and less paperwork all add up to better productivity and fewer costly compliance missteps. At Southern Star Navigation, we are always monitoring industry changes like this to help our partners stay a step ahead. Whether it’s navigating international ocean shipments or understanding how domestic trucking updates affect your supply chain, our team ensures that your freight keeps moving forward with confidence.
To read the full list of proposed rule changes and review the official notice, visit the FMCSA’s public document here: 👉 View the full FMCSA proposal PDF
Cyber Threats Are Hitting the Supply Chain Hard
Logistics and transportation companies across the US and Europe are now facing serious cyber threats. Intelligence agencies have confirmed that Russian-backed hackers are targeting companies that move aid and cargo into Ukraine. The attacks are focused on spying—not causing chaos—but that doesn’t make them any less dangerous. These groups are using phishing emails, outdated software weaknesses, and even trying to tap into thousands of security cameras near ports, borders, and other key points to gather shipment details. They are going after everything from shipping schedules and cargo contents to recipient and sender info.
If your business is part of the supply chain, it’s time to take cybersecurity seriously. This goes beyond IT—it’s an operational risk that can affect your clients, your reputation, and your bottom line. The FBI, NSA, and others are calling on companies to monitor their systems closely, review security protocols, and keep a close eye on vendor and partner platforms. At Southern Star Navigation, we work with partners who rely on secure, reliable freight movement. Now more than ever, strong cyber defenses are part of staying competitive and keeping cargo moving.
You can read the full advisory from CISA here
Air Cargo Carriers Shift Focus as E-Commerce Boom Slows Down
The recent rollback of duty-free entry for low-value goods from China is causing a shift in air cargo. Many airlines that prioritized cross-border e-commerce over the last few years are now feeling the impact. With new U.S. tariffs in place, demand for small online orders is shrinking, especially on trans-Pacific routes. As a result, some carriers are pulling back on freighters dedicated to that traffic and turning their attention back to general air cargo — a segment that had taken a back seat during the e-commerce surge.
At the same time, traditional markets aren’t bouncing back as fast as expected. Inflation, economic uncertainty, and changing consumer habits are keeping volumes lower in sectors that once drove steady air freight demand. Carriers are starting to reposition aircraft toward more profitable trade lanes, including Asia-Europe routes, but recovery will take time. At Southern Star Navigation, we’re keeping a close eye on how this shift plays out and helping clients adjust shipping plans, avoid delays, and explore better routing options while space and rates continue to rebalance.
Truck Manifests Must Be Final Before Arrival, CBP Says
Starting June 3, 2025, U.S. Customs will no longer accept truck manifests marked as “Preliminary” when a shipment arrives at a port of entry. All ACE Truck Manifests must be finalized and fully transmitted before the truck reaches the border. This change affects both ANSI X12 and EDIFACT formats and requires an “end of manifest” transmission to be considered complete. Manifests that don’t meet this requirement will be rejected, possibly delaying shipments or triggering compliance issues.
This update is part of CBP’s effort to improve processing times and reduce data errors during inspections. If your team uses a broker or a transmission platform, it’s important to make sure those processes are updated before the deadline. At Southern Star Navigation, we’re working with our cross-border partners to help them prepare. If you rely on U.S.-Mexico or U.S.-Canada trucking, we can review your manifest process and help ensure your freight keeps moving without unexpected delays. To read the full CSMS message from U.S. Customs, click here.
Marine insurance is crucial for businesses involved in shipping goods internationally. It provides comprehensive coverage that safeguards shipments against various risks and uncertainties during transit by sea, air, or land. This type of insurance is essential for ensuring that businesses can recover financial losses from potential damage or loss of cargo.
Importance of Marine Insurance:
- Protection Against Financial Loss: Covers the cost of goods lost or damaged during transit, ensuring businesses do not bear the financial burden alone.
- Risk Management: Helps manage and mitigate risks associated with transportation, including natural disasters, accidents, and piracy.
- Peace of Mind: Provides reassurance that goods are protected, allowing businesses to focus on operations without worrying about potential losses.
- Legal Compliance: Often a requirement in international trade contracts, ensuring that businesses meet legal and contractual obligations.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Includes protection against various risks such as theft, fire, and other perils specific to maritime transportation.
For more information, call Southern Star Navigation at 833.782.7628 Ext. 1
or email: starsales@southenrstarnav.com