Port sector likely to face challenges

Maybank IB said container volumes may retreat once the tariff grace period lapses, as the frontloading wave passes.

PETALING JAYA: The United States’ steep tariffs on Chinese goods have led to a sharp 30% to 60% drop in China–US container bookings since tariffs took effect, while bookings from other parts of Asia have also declined by 10% to 20%, reflecting broader demand weakness.

This has led the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to downgrade its 2025 global trade growth forecast to 0.2% from its previous estimate of 2.7%, citing escalating US-China trade tensions.