Chinese Cargo Ships Pause Sailing to US ports

Chinese cargo ships have stopped carrying cargo to two major U.S. West Coast ports for the first time since the pandemic, West Coast port officials told CNN.

Six days ago, 41 ships were scheduled to depart China for the San Pedro Bay complex, which includes the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach in California, yet, that number never arrived at the U.S. ports.

U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war imposed massive tariffs on most Chinese imports last month. This has led to fewer ships at sea carrying fewer goods to US ports.

Officials are concerned not only about the lack of ships leaving China, but also about the rapid decline in that number.

The nation's busiest port, Long Beach, is experiencing a sharp decline in cargo volume, 35%-40% lower than usual.

The Port of Los Angeles saw a 31% drop in cargo volume this week, and the Port of New York and Jersey is also preparing for a slowdown in cargo arrivals.

Last Wednesday, the Port of Seattle announced it was devoid of any container ships, another unusual occurrence not seen since the pandemic. 

However, that share has declined from 72% in 2016 as retailers shifted away from China due to escalating trade tensions. However, China remains a major source of imports to the United States.

Maersk, the world's second-largest shipping company, told CNN that shipment volumes between the US and China have fallen 30%-40% compared to normal levels.

US and Chinese trade representatives met in Geneva this weekend for their first face-to-face meeting in an attempt to defuse the trade war.