Freight Pulse & Law Update: Typhoon Champi Snarls China Ports as 50% Canada Tariffs Face First Court Test

Typhoon Champi has halted Zhoushan bunkering and threatens already delayed Shanghai and Ningbo port flows, while container prices climbed to a 15-week high. Separately, Canadian importer Gellert Global Group has filed the first court challenge to the new 50% Section 338 tariffs. Importers should add time to Asia bookings and treat Canadian duties as payable unless a court changes them.

What should importers do about Champi?

Zhoushan bunkering stopped October 22 with no restart date announced. Taiwan cancelled 166 flights as the storm passed. Shanghai and Ningbo were already running about four days late, according to Platts coverage.

The rate picture is tightening:

• Drewry’s World Container Index rose 2% to $4,585 per 40-foot container, a 15-week high.

• Shanghai–Los Angeles reached $8,007.

• Carriers plan eight blanked Asia–Europe sailings next week, up from two.

Re-quote Asia inbound bookings and build buffer time into arrival plans before confirming customer delivery dates.

What does the Section 338 case mean?

Filed October 20 in the U.S. Court of International Trade, Gellert Global Group v. Trump challenges 50% tariffs covering about $20 billion in Canadian goods. The importer argues the 1930 statute was superseded by later trade law. Transport Topics reports the statute may prove harder to challenge than earlier tariff authorities.

For now, model the tariff as a live cost on Canadian lanes. Do not base budgets or purchasing plans on a refund.

3PL Mid-Atlantic Watch

I-95 shippers should confirm receiving windows and carrier cutoffs before committing to delivery dates, especially when Asian delays shift inbound freight into already tight schedules. NY-NJ metro congestion adds another handoff risk, so Mid-Atlantic fulfillment planning starts with accurate inventory visibility and realistic arrival buffers.

CVSA Brake Safety Week in August is also a useful reminder to keep inspection routines current.

Key takeaway: Build schedule and cost buffers now; don’t assume port delays or tariff exposure will resolve quickly.

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