Shipping volumes slump amid conflicting tariffs signals from U.S. and China

Signs of the U.S. and China softening their stance on the trade war are being detected, as Washington signals de-escalation while Beijing looks to be withdrawing some of its harsh tariff measures behind the scenes.

Moon Hye-ryeon has the latest.

As the U.S. enters negotiations with countries around the world regarding its tariffs, China appears to be quietly rolling back some of its harshest retaliatory measures – despite denying that any trade negotiations with Washington are taking place.

According to CNN on Friday, three import agencies in China confirmed that Chinese authorities had waived tariffs of up to 125 percent on certain U.S.-made semiconductors.

The exemptions, which have not been officially announced, were only discovered during routine customs procedures this week and cover most integrated circuits, excluding memory chips.

The move suggests that while Beijing continues to project strength on the global stage, it is now taking calculated steps to soften the economic fallout of the trade war — particularly in sectors where it remains reliant on U.S. technology.

The ripple effects of the escalating trade war are also being felt across global shipping lanes.

According to The Wall Street Journal, container bookings from China to the U.S. have dropped by nearly a third, prompting shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd to use smaller vessels and reroute operations.

Some Chinese exporters have paused shipments altogether, facing uncertainty and rising costs.

The rollback stands in stark contrast to China's recent public statements.

Just days ago, Chinese officials flatly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that trade talks were underway.

"This is fake news. As far as I know, China and the United States have not held consultations or negotiations on the tariff issue, let alone reached an agreement. This tariff war was initiated by the United States, and China's attitude is consistent and clear. If you want to fight, we will fight to the end; if you want to talk, the door is open. Dialogue and negotiation must be equal, respectful, and mutually beneficial."

While Trump had told reporters that he had engaged in talks with Beijing on Thursday morning, his treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, said no formal negotiations had taken place.

Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.