Trump tariff push given new twist by court setback; Congestion fear as US west coast ports brace for transpacific cargo surge; Houthis claim Red Sea safe for box ships not calling at port of Haifa

Trump tariff push given new twist by court setback 

A U.S. trade court ruling that blocked most of President Donald Trump's tariffs and found he had overstepped his authority triggered some relief on financial markets on Thursday, while adding to the uncertainties weighing on the global economy. 

Among the United States' big trading partners, in the throes of negotiation with the Trump administration, Germany said it could not comment, as did the European Commission. 

Congestion fear as US west coast ports brace for transpacific cargo surge 

The demand spike on the transpacific has prompted concerns of congestion and cargo bottlenecks at key US ports.   

Yesterday, The Loadstar reported that many carriers had begun to reinstate previously blanked voyages and launch new services to capitalise on the sudden spike in demand following news of the 90-day tariff reprieve.   

Container market analyst Braemar noted that, “given the previous sharp drop in US import volumes, the sudden return of extra loaders and ad hoc cargo could very well lead to port congestion and operational issues”. 

US importers stockpiling goods to avert autumn shortages amid tariff chaos 

The first signs of guidance on how tariffs could play out over the next few months was issued this week by a leading expert on US trade policy. 

At a webinar organised by the European Shippers’ Council (ESC), Eugene Laney, CEO of the American Association of Importers and Exporters (AAIE), said his organisation was beginning to get a sense of where US tariff levels will eventually settle. 

Houthis claim Red Sea safe for box ships not calling at port of Haifa 

Spokespersons for the Yemeni-based Houthi militia have told The Loadstar they will no longer target commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea. 

Last week, the group said they would target vessels entering Israel’s port of Haifa, but their statement was ambiguous on what this meant for ships using a waterway under threat of attack for the better part of 18 months. 

European port congestion expected until July 

Port congestion at major northern European container terminals is expected to persist into July, with operational challenges and global trade disruptions compounding delays. 

According to Bloomberg, key gateways such as Antwerp, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Bremerhaven are reporting escalating backlogs, with vessel waiting times stretching from several days up to two weeks. 

These delays are being driven by a combination of factors, including recent industrial action, low water levels on the Rhine limiting barge capacity, and high yard utilisation at terminals.