China’s Ministry of Transport reported that, between 16 and 22 June 2025, the country’s ports moved 6.7 million TEUs, a six percent increase compared to the previous week. This figure represents not only a weekly rise but also the highest volume of port traffic ever recorded in China for both domestic and export flows. By comparison, during the same week in 2024, ports moved 6.4 million TEUs, and in 2023, the figure stood at 5.7 million. The lowest volume in 2025 was registered during the fifth week of the year, with 5.2 million TEUs.
Analysts attribute this surge to the tariff truce signed on 12 May between the United States and China, which is set to expire at the beginning of July. The temporary agreement prompted US importers to bring in as much cargo as possible before new tariffs come into effect. The rush to import is not limited to China, as tariff increases are becoming a global trend. South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan and Thailand also reported record-high export volumes to the United States in May, and early June figures indicate that the trend continues to grow.
The sharp increase in port activity coincides with a spike in domestic rail freight across China, reaching some of the highest levels ever recorded for this time of year. Air freight has also hit a new high, with over 2,100 domestic cargo flights operated in the week ending 22 June, making it the second busiest week ever for overall air freight activity.
International cargo flights have also maintained strong performance, despite the end of the tariff exemption for small parcels shipped from China. This mechanism, known as “de minimis”, had long supported cross-border e-commerce. However, rising demand for these parcels from other countries has offset the decline from US buyers recorded in May. In the same week ending 22 June, China recorded 3,205 international cargo flights.
