A year into Trump tariffs, Chinese factories and ports are buzzing with activity

• Major Chinese ports handled 40% more containers during the week ended Feb. 1 compared to a year earlier, marking the fastest growth in over 12 months and well above the 10% average weekly growth in 2025
• Large container shipments to the U.S. ran above 2024 and 2025 levels for most of January into February, with freight rates rising and some Ningbo port terminals operating beyond capacity with vessels overbooked by more than 20%
• Despite 'China-plus-one' diversification strategies, U.S. customers have resumed ordering and new product development after a year-long trade truce kept tariffs at lower levels, with factories like Agilian Technology maintaining pre-tariff export volumes to America

Summary: Chinese Factories and Ports Show Robust Activity Despite Trump Tariffs

One year after U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs were implemented, Chinese manufacturing and export activity remains surprisingly strong, with factories operating near full capacity ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday.

Key Data Points

• Port activity: Major Chinese ports handled 40% more containers during the week ending February 1 compared to the previous year—the fastest year-over-year growth in over 12 months, well above the 2025 average of 10%.

• Freight rates: The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index reached 1,400-1,656 in early January, above the 15-year historical average of 1,337-1,568. Air freight rates increased 5.3% week-over-week through February 2.

• Trucking costs: Severe congestion pushed trucking rates up 80% in some regions.

• Large container shipments to the U.S. exceeded 2024 and 2025 levels throughout January and into February.

Main Companies and Regions

Ningbo ports operated beyond capacity with vessels overbooked by over 20%. Electronics manufacturer Agilian Technology in Guangdong reported near-full capacity, with more than half its products still shipping to the U.S.

Market Implications

Despite "China-plus-one" diversification strategies, American buyers continue significant sourcing from China following a trade truce that kept tariffs at lower levels. China Beige Book estimates industrial output jumped in January, with both domestic and export orders "accelerating sharply." The surge represents "de-risking, not decoupling," as multinational firms maintain substantial Chinese production while diversifying into Southeast Asia and Mexico.

Business consultants report American customers have resumed new product development after freezing projects during the uncertainty period, signaling stabilized trade conditions.