Diego Rodríguez Paez
Director of Logistics and Industry Practice
AMI
As U.S.–China trade tensions escalate in 2025, new tariffs — including a staggering 145% levy on select Chinese imports — are rippling through global logistics networks. For Latin American importers, ocean capacity may tighten, freight rates may swing wildly, and longstanding transshipment routes via the U.S. may be in flux. Whether you’re a shipper, 3PL, retailer, or supply chain strategist, this article offers must-read insights on what’s happening.
Disruption to Transshipment Networks Linking Asia to Latin America
A significant share of Latin American imports from Asia flows through key U.S. ports like Los Angeles/Long Beach and Miami, major container gateways. These ports act as crucial transshipment and redistribution hubs for goods destined for Central America, the Caribbean, and the Andean region, often via feeder services or direct regional routes.
If carriers continue cutting capacity on Asia–U.S. lanes to stabilize rates:
- Fewer transshipment sailings into Latin America may be available
- Space for LATAM-bound cargo may tighten, increasing booking competition and rates for regional importers
- Transit times may lengthen as shipping lines consolidate port calls or reroute cargo via Panama
As a result, importers across the region, particularly in smaller markets like Ecuador, Central America, and some Caribbean islands, may face greater volatility in freight availability and delivery timelines.
Tightened Container Availability
Cutting capacity often means fewer sailings and slower container repositioning, especially for empty containers returning to Asia. This could cause:
- Equipment shortages in key Latin American ports, especially for high-demand dry or reefer containers
- Rising leasing rates or surcharges passed on to LATAM shippers
Rerouting of Global Trade May Tighten Capacity on LATAM Lanes
As the U.S. maintains tariffs on Chinese goods through Q2 2025, Chinese exporters seek alternative markets — including Latin America and Europe — to offset reduced access to U.S. consumers. This pivot is reshaping trade flows in ways that could directly affect Latin American importers:
- Increased vessel traffic from China to Latin America, particularly to large-volume destinations like Brazil, Mexico, and Chile, may absorb capacity that was previously more available or competitively priced
- As capacity tightens, freight rates on Asia–LATAM lanes could climb, especially during seasonal peaks or in high-demand sectors like consumer electronics, apparel, and industrial components.
Chinese suppliers may double down on Latin American markets as a release valve for U.S. tariff restrictions. In that case, smaller LATAM importers may be squeezed between longer lead times, fewer sailing options, and increased rate volatility — even if demand in their countries hasn’t changed.
While Latin America isn’t the primary target of the current capacity cuts, its importers are very much collateral stakeholders. Companies importing from Asia should expect tighter space, higher rates, and potential schedule disruptions
Next Steps
At AMI (Americas Market Intelligence), we help companies navigate uncertainty with precise, data-driven insights. Whether you’re evaluating new logistics networks, monitoring competitor activity, or planning your next market entry, our team delivers the actionable intelligence you need to make smarter decisions. Contact us for a free consultation.
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