In November 2025, the world’s two largest economies, China and the U.S., made a coordinated decision to suspend for one year a series of sanctions affecting the shipping, logistics and ship-building sectors. Mexico Business News+1 The move follows trade negotiations and signals the first major de-escalation in a dispute that had shaken global transport networks and supply-chains. For a logistics company such as Americas Forwarding operating in Mexico and Latin America, this development opens new openings and requires recalibrated strategies.

1. Background: From Escalation to Suspension

The dispute began when the U.S., via the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), launched a Section 301 investigation into China’s maritime and ship-building practices. China responded with port-fees levied on U.S.-linked vessels (effective October 14 2025). Mexico Business News+1
The resulting uncertainty increased costs and forced diversions in shipping, affecting routes worldwide.
On Nov 10 2025, Beijing announced it would suspend for one year all measures related to these port-fees; simultaneously, Washington paused its own actions for one year. Reuters+1
While this is a pause—not a full resolution—it provides breathing-room for logistics and transport players.

2. What Was Agreed?

• China suspends for one year fees linked to vessels entering U.S. ports and lifts sanctions on U.S. ship-building entities. Reuters+1

• The U.S. suspends implementation of Section 301 measures targeting China’s maritime and logistics sectors for one year, while continuing negotiations. The White House+1

• Both parties commit to further trade dialogue covering broader issues (agriculture, rare-earth exports, cyber/tech controls). The White House

3. Global Logistics Impact & Mexico’s Position
For the global logistics industry, this suspension translates into:

• Lower risk of sudden tariff increases or diversion of fleets;

• Reduced cost pressure for operators handling Asia-to-Americas freight;

• Greater stability for planning long-haul maritime flows.

For Mexico, specifically:

• Importers exporting via Asia-Pacific or U.S. have more predictability in maritime cost and routing;

• Logistics providers like Americas Forwarding can leverage this window to strengthen services, renegotiate contracts, and build visibility;

• But caution: the suspension is time-limited (12 months) and not a full resolution of underlying trade issues.

4. Risks & What to Watch

• The pause is only for one year—after that, sanctions could resume.

• Some broader restrictions (e.g., rare-earth exports, non-tariff measures) are still pending full resolution. The White House

• For Mexico, even as external risk subsides, internal challenges remain: infrastructure bottlenecks, customs complexity, multimodal connectivity.
  Thus logistics providers should use the year ahead to strengthen foundations, not assume calm is permanent.

5. Recommended Actions for Logistics Firms

• Review maritime contracts and cost structures to capitalize on improved conditions.

• Enhance visibility and tracking in supply-chain flows and communicate value to clients.

• Explore route diversification and multi-modal alternatives to use this period productively.

• Inform your customers about these geopolitical‐logistics changes and position your company as trusted advisor.

• Use this year for process improvements, tech upgrades and building resiliency before uncertainty returns.

Conclusion — A Unique Window to Reset and Elevate Logistics Strategy

The suspension of maritime sanctions between China and the U.S. represents more than diplomacy—it is a strategic window for global logistics, including Latin America. The pause gives companies like Americas Forwarding the chance to optimize, invest and reposition for the next wave of disruption. By shifting from reactive to proactive, strengthening services and networks now, the advantages gained will endure beyond the 12-month window. In a world where supply chains are more interconnected than ever, this is a moment to act decisively.