The planned tariffs on Chinese products by US president-elect Donald Trump are reshaping global trade flows, boosting containerised imports from Vietnam, Thailand, and South Korea. These nations have experienced remarkable growth in exports to the US since 2017, presenting both opportunities and challenges for supply chain resilience and climate-conscious operations.

According to a Linerlytica report, Vietnam’s container exports to the US exceeded 2 million TEU in the first 10 months of 2024, more than double the volumes of 2017. Notably, Q2 2024 saw a 41% year-on-year increase in exports, primarily manufactured goods, as businesses continued to diversify supply chains away from China. Vietnam’s appeal lies in its educated workforce, low operational costs, and improving US diplomatic relations.

Thailand has also emerged as a significant player, tripling its exports to the US since 2017. The first 10 months of 2024 recorded approximately 900,000 TEU, with October alone showing a 25% year-on-year increase. Driven by farm and food products, Thailand’s trade policies have further cemented its position as a key exporter, with domestic partnerships benefitting US firms operating in the country.

South Korea’s containerised exports to the US exceeded 1 million TEU between January and October 2024, compared to around 600,000 TEU in 2017. Electrical appliances, machinery, and equipment drove this growth, according to analyst Tan Hua Joo.

Meanwhile, China’s share of US imports from Asia has dropped from 70.4% in 2017 to 58.9% in 2024, reflecting a significant shift. Yet, China remains the largest origin country for containerised imports, even as Vietnam, South Korea, and Thailand take the lead in volume and market share gains.

The Role of Visibility in Supply Chain Management

This rapid shift in trade dynamics underscores the growing need for supply chain visibility and climate impact software. As Beneficial Cargo Owners (BCOs) and Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) navigate complex, shifting trade patterns, real-time data insights are becoming indispensable. These tools enable stakeholders to make business-critical decisions, mitigating risks such as tariff impositions and environmental impacts, while optimising the supply chain for efficiency and sustainability.

For instance, Vietnam’s efforts to avoid trade sanctions, such as importing US soybeans and aircraft, highlight how trade policy volatility can impact supply chains. With visibility tools, LSPs can respond to such challenges by forecasting disruptions and adapting their logistics strategies.

Linerlytica notes that while the proposed 10% tariff on Chinese goods is less severe than the 60% initially suggested, the policy still has cascading effects. Vietnam, South Korea, and Thailand, as the fastest-growing exporters, stand to gain. However, the unpredictability of these trade measures emphasises the importance of advanced analytics to support resilient, climate-conscious supply chains.