The U.S. Importers' Strategy for Trump's Tariffs on China

04/24/25 • 10 min

President Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods have forced U.S. importers to rethink and reconfigure their supply chains, especially with no clear end in sight for the elevated tariff rates. We explore the strategies major shippers are using to avoid higher costs and consider whether they are sustainable as the summer shipping peak approaches.

Mothership founder and CEO Aaron Peck shares insights on how Chinese manufacturers and exporters have reacted to the U.S.-China trade war and what steps they might take to protect their businesses.

Get started with less-than-truckload and same-day delivery with Mothership: https://bit.ly/3RyBVAM

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/21/trump-tariffs-import-surge-tax-free-foreign-trade-zones.html

https://www.ft.com/content/6114c580-70db-4de2-b19f-d4dbebd3214f

Get started with less-than-truckload and same-day delivery with Mothership: https://bit.ly/3RyBVAM

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/21/trump-tariffs-import-surge-tax-free-foreign-trade-zones.html

https://www.ft.com/content/6114c580-70db-4de2-b19f-d4dbebd3214f

Previous Episode

The De Minimis Exemption: Why the Shipping Loophole May Soon End

The de minimis exemption allows foreign shipments valued at $800 or less to enter the U.S. without paying duties, tariffs or other taxes, and with minimal review and paperwork. Some companies, such as the e-commerce giants Shein and Temu, have built their entire business models around the rule, which critics have called an unfair tax loophole. We break down whether the de minimis exemption will survive as the U.S.-China trade war intensifies, and examine the signs that this shipping loophole might end sooner rather than later.

Get started with less-than-truckload and same-day delivery with Mothership: https://bit.ly/4jnEBxd

https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/fedex-china-us-import-fee-de-minimis-surcharge/745296/

Next Episode

Tariff Engineering Explained: How Brands Cut Costs with Smart Design and Logistics

Tariff engineering isn’t a loophole. It’s a powerful strategy that global brands use to reduce import duties through thoughtful product design, smart HTS classification, and deliberate logistics planning. In this episode, we unpack how companies like Columbia Sportswear save millions by rethinking everything from shirt pockets to packaging configurations. With the 2025 U.S.-China tariffs in full effect, we explore the role of bonded warehouses, foreign trade zones, and sourcing strategies in creating real cost advantages across apparel, electronics, automotive, and medical supply chains.