Corporate Moving update April 2025

International relocations remain heavily impacted by trade tensions, capacity shortages, rising costs, and evolving regulations. From disrupted trade lanes to port congestion and regulatory shifts, businesses face a volatile freight environment requiring proactive planning and close industry coordination. Santa Fe Relocation continues to guide clients through these challenges with clear insight and strategic support.
Trade tensions reshape global shipping flows
The escalating US–China trade conflict is altering global shipping patterns.
As of 10 April, the US has raised tariffs on imports from China, Hong Kong, and Macau to 125%, prompting reciprocal Chinese tariffs on US goods. This has triggered widespread order cancellations and a notable drop in demand, particularly on transpacific routes. Shipping lines are responding with blank sailings and rerouting cargo to avoid tariff-related charges, compounding congestion and extending delivery times across US ports. Businesses should prepare for short-notice general rate increases and peak season surcharges as carriers adjust pricing to stabilise revenue.
Hundreds of container bookings cancelled
Manufacturers in Asia are cancelling hundreds of container bookings as a result of tariffs implemented by President Trump, potentially impacting transpacific freight rates.
Shipping intelligence consultants, Linerlytica, advised that the tariffs have dented hopes of shipping lines to increase freight rates and left contract negotiations up in the air. While the Shanghai Containerised Freight Index showed an increase in freight rates to the United States over the previous week, Linerlytica predicted that the gains would not last. “These gains will be eroded over the coming weeks as the U.S. tariffs hit cargo bookings due to order cancellations, and carriers will be forced to slash rates again,” said Linerlytica.
Trump tariffs—What members need to know
The Trump administration is considering reducing significant proposed fees on Chinese-linked containerships calling at U.S. ports that would have increased freight rates.
Reuters reported that following pressure from various industries on the negative consequences to exporters in the United States, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is considering softening the original plan that would have seen fees of approximately USD 3 million per port visit for Chinese-built vessels. Unnamed sources suggest the changes contemplated include delayed implementation and new fee structures to reduce the overall cost.
Among the alternatives being considered by the USTR are charging a fee that is adjusted based on the number of Chinese-built ships in a company’s fleet and/or a charge based on the tonnage of unloaded vessels instead of a flat fee. This would mean lower fees for smaller ships involved in transporting grains and other commodities.
Port congestion worsens in Europe and North America
Major European ports including Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg, and Barcelona are experiencing severe congestion as cargo is diverted from disrupted trade routes. Reports indicate hundreds of ships are waiting offshore, increasing port dwell times and storage requirements. Similarly, East and Gulf Coast ports in the US remain under pressure following the suspension of the planned Longshoremen’s strike and the earlier introduction of a USD 1,000 per 20ft. container surcharge. The knock-on effects of rerouted shipments and vessel bunching are impacting inland logistics and warehouse availability.
Freight rate volatility and surcharges persist
Freight rates remain unstable as trade flows adjust and compliance demands increase. Shipping lines are introducing new surcharges with little notice, often in response to shifting capacity, rerouted vessels, and rising fuel costs. With the Mediterranean becoming an Emission Control Area (ECA) from 1 May, carriers are preparing to apply higher fuel surcharges linked to the use of low-sulphur fuel. Additional cost pressures are emerging from EU carbon regulations and the IMO’s decarbonisation roadmap, further impacting relocation budgets.
Reduced container availability and equipment concerns
The Red Sea crisis remains unresolved, with shipping lines continuing to reroute via the Cape of Good Hope. This longer route increases transit times and ties up vessel capacity, pushing freight rates upward. Container quality also remains an issue: poor equipment is being rejected more frequently, leading to missed sailings and added cost. Lithium-ion batteries continue to cause complications, with carrier restrictions, hazardous declarations, and penalties for misdeclaration presenting ongoing challenges. Additionally, some shipping lines have introduced policy-based entry restrictions—certain shipments may not be accepted if they originate from or carry a Palestinian flag, irrespective of cargo content or destination.
Updated lithium battery guidance for air shipments from France
For shipments originating from France and transported by air, lithium-ion batteries under 100Wh may be accepted as part of household goods consignments—provided the destination country allows their import without restrictions. At present, confirmed destinations include Hong Kong, Dubai, and countries within Europe.
Santa Fe Relocation is currently reviewing the full list of permitted items under 100Wh, which typically include devices such as mobile phones, laptops, small speakers, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Larger battery-powered equipment, including most e-bikes and e-scooters, generally exceed the 100Wh threshold and may be excluded.
Further clarification is underway regarding the list of approved items and eligible destinations. Clients are advised to confirm individual shipment details with their Santa Fe consultant to ensure compliance and avoid delays.
Tightened regulatory environment adds compliance pressure
From 3 May, the US will suspend the de minimis exemption for shipments under USD 800 originating from China. This change will affect many low-value shipments and increase customs clearance complexity, particularly for organisations handling personal effects via e-commerce-style models. Meanwhile, the Mediterranean ECA, EU ETS expansion, and FuelEU Maritime rules are adding new compliance layers and cost variables across key corridors. Businesses must adapt documentation and forecasting models to reflect these requirements.
Climate impacts and inland limitations in key markets
Low water levels in Germany’s Rhine River have significantly reduced inland shipping capacity, forcing vessels to operate at less than half load. This has increased costs and led to modal shifts toward rail and road, particularly for time-sensitive moves. In Spain, shipment planning remains affected by infrastructure damage from last year’s DANA storm in Valencia. Inland transport limitations in Africa and customs clearance delays in Latin America also continue to contribute to storage charges and extended delivery timelines.
Strategic guidance for business mobility planning
To help organisations manage the disruption and maintain relocation momentum, Santa Fe Relocation recommends the following:
- Book early to secure space and reduce premium charges, especially for moves requiring equipment selection or transshipment.
- Adapt cost forecasting to reflect dynamic pricing, including fuel surcharges, tariffs, and demurrage.
- Review compliance documentation regularly, particularly in light of the U.S. de minimis suspension and EU carbon policies.
- Collaborate with relocation experts who monitor shipment conditions, container standards, and carrier reliability in real time.
- Stay informed about political and climate-related risks, especially for high-risk corridors such as the Red Sea, Rhine, and Mediterranean.
At Santa Fe Relocation, we are dedicated to supporting our clients through these developments with timely updates and strategic advice. Our team remains vigilant, monitoring industry changes to deliver tailored solutions that ensure business continuity. For further assistance or personalised guidance, please contact your designated Santa Fe Relocation consultant.
Filip Leibl
Group Operations Manager
Santa Fe Relocation