A STG Logistics survey of 500 U.S. import decision-makers found that 85.6% front-loaded shipments in 2025 to avoid tariffs, while 79% diversified sourcing away from China—primarily to India (24.4%) and Southeast Asia (23.4%+21.6%). Though 52.3% avoided higher duties, 43.7% reported working capital strain and 42.3% incurred higher storage costs. Bonded storage and FTZs were adopted by >40%, and 31.2% prioritized flexible carrier contracts. Most firms shifted 26–50% of freight to new routes or modes, with intermodal transport rated most effective (49%).
According to www.prnewswire.com, a new STG Logistics survey of 500 U.S. import decision-makers reveals that tariff volatility in 2025 triggered sweeping, structural changes across global supply chains — with 79% of companies shifting at least some sourcing volume away from China and 85.6% front-loading shipments to avoid new duties.
Front-Loading Mitigated Tariffs but Strained Finances
To sidestep rising tariff liabilities, the majority of beneficial cargo owners (BCOs) accelerated imports ahead of scheduled duty increases. While 52.3% successfully avoided higher tariffs and 43.7% reported improved product availability during peak seasons, the tactic carried significant operational trade-offs: 42.3% faced increased storage and holding costs, and 43.7% experienced working capital strain due to elevated inventory levels. More than one in four companies (26.4%) reported downstream ‘quiet periods’ as they depleting excess stock — disrupting traditional replenishment cycles and demand forecasting models.
“Inventory became a key risk-management lever,” said Anderman. “But holding larger volumes of product introduces new costs and financial complexity that companies now need to manage carefully.”
Sourcing Diversification Accelerated Across Asia
The survey confirms a pronounced geographic rebalancing of supplier bases. Of the 79% reducing China exposure, the largest shifts were toward:
- Vietnam and Southeast Asia: 23.4%
- India: 24.4%
- Additional Southeast Asian markets: 21.6%
However, diversification introduced new complexities — including inconsistent supplier reliability, evolving regulatory compliance requirements, and fragmented logistics coordination across emerging sourcing hubs.
Bonded Storage and FTZs Emerged as Key Infrastructure Tools
More than 40% of respondents used bonded warehouses or Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) in 2025 to defer or reduce tariff payments. Among users:
- 42% rated bonded storage as effective
- 40% rated FTZs as effective
- Companies combining both approaches reported the highest effectiveness ratings
This signals a strategic pivot toward integrated logistics infrastructure — not just sourcing geography — as a core tariff mitigation lever.
Contracts and Networks Prioritized Agility Over Certainty
In ocean carrier negotiations for the 2025–2026 season, flexibility replaced rate lock-in as the dominant priority:
- 31.2% secured shorter-term contracts with variable rates
- 22.8% delayed signing pending market clarity
- 20.2% shifted more freight to the spot market
- Only 9.8% paid higher contracted rates to guarantee capacity
“These results show that flexibility has become increasingly valuable relative to rate certainty,” said STG Chief Executive Officer Geoff Anderman. “Companies want the ability to adjust quickly as trade policies and shipping markets change.”
Logistics Networks Redesigned for Responsiveness
Most respondents reallocated 26% to 50% of their freight to new routing or transportation modes. The most effective adaptations included:
- Intermodal transportation shifts: 49% effectiveness rating
- Port diversification to reduce congestion risk: 44% effectiveness rating
Source: www.prnewswire.com
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
