More than 80% of US forwarders have reported a decline in volumes as a result of the country’s tariff policy, while more than half have noted changes to customers’ supply chains.
The figures were reported by the Airforwarders Association (AfA) following a survey of its members.
The survey showed that as a result of US tariff policy, 83% of respondents have experienced reduced shipping volumes, more than half said clients’ supply chains and shipping routes had changed and nearly half had reported increased operational costs and administrative workload.
Members cited customs delays, airport congestion, reduced flight schedules, and inconsistent security and documentation processes as compounding the impact of tariffs on day-to-day operations, the association said in a press release.
AfA executive director Brandon Fried added: “Last year was defined by instability, with shifting trade policy, new tariffs, and changing security and compliance requirements, making it difficult for forwarders and their customers to plan with confidence.
“These results underline the need for more stable, predictable policymaking to provide businesses with the confidence to invest, plan capacity, and make longer-term supply chain decisions.”
TIACA director general Glyn Hughes said the survey results reflect the impact of protectionism.
“As barriers go up, products and supply chains go elsewhere, its economics 101,” he said.
“The weaponisation of tariffs to punish countries that don’t align to current US positions has caused pain and uncertainty.
“This has generated a global focus on a US plus one strategy when it comes to consumption markets.
“The ending of the de minimis exemptions from duties and tariffs has also had a negative impact.”
Hughes said the cost of manufacturing in the US was not competitive on the global stage.
“Over 1bn people around the globe have been elevated out of extreme poverty on the back of outsourced production. This success is now at risk.”
The survey results are published ahead of the AfA’s annual AirCargo Conference.
