Message in a Bottle: Q2 2025
A quarterly newsletter on Plastics, Logistics, and Flame Retardants
Contents
⚓US-China Trade War: 90-Day Tariff Reduction Explained
⚓US-China Trade: Supply Chain Impacts of April & May 2025 Tariffs
⚓Global Plastics Industry Trade Shows: Your 2025-2026 Guide
US-China Trade War: 90-Day Tariff Reduction Explained
After a dramatic escalation that pushed additional tariffs to 125% in April 2025, US-China trade tensions have temporarily eased [1]. Following negotiations in Geneva, both nations agreed to reduce reciprocal tariffs to 10% for a 90-day period beginning May 12 [2].
What You Need to Know:
- This means many Chinese imports still face total additional duties of up to 55%
- The current 10% reciprocal tariffs are in addition to existing tariffs from 2019 (25%) and early 2025 fentanyl-related tariffs (20%)
- The reduction is only temporary, for a period of 90 days from May 12
President Trump implemented these measures using authority from Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows tariffs on countries deemed to engage in unfair trade practices, and under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) which stipulates that the President may act with unilateral power in a declared emergency. Trump has declared the fentanyl crisis such an emergency.
| Timeline of Tariffs on China *Unshaded amounts are in effect and additive | |||
| Executive Order | Date | China Duty Rate (%) | Note |
| 13873 | 5/15/2019 | 10-25 | Section 301 & IEEPA |
| 14195 | 2/1/2025 | 10 | On top of EO 13873 |
| 14228 | 3/3/2025 | 20 | Amends EO 14195 |
| 14257 | 4/2/2025 | 34 | On top of EO 13873 & EO 14228 |
| 14259 | 4/8/2025 | 84 | Amends EO 14257 |
| 14266 | 4/9/2025 | 125 | Amends EO 14257 |
| 14298 | 5/12/2025 | 10 | Amends EO 14257, 14259, 14266 |
On May 28 the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled the tariffs that Trumps implemented under the IEEPA do not directly address the declared emergency of fentanyl, and therefore the tariffs are not authorized under the IEEPA [3]. The next day on May 29 the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit granted a stay of that injunction as an appeal on the President’s behalf [4]. The 55% total tariff on Chinese goods remains in place as this is argued in the courts.
Ocean Chemical will keep you informed as the rulings on tariffs develop. For now, with this 90-day reduction window and continued uncertainty about future trade policies, businesses may want to consider adjusting their import strategies accordingly. Our team stands ready to help with your supply needs, including our competitively priced flame retardants. Contact us here.
[1] – Timeline of trade war with China since President Trump’s first term.
[2] – Whitehouse Statement on US-China Trade
[3] – Court over turns Trump tariffs under the emergency powers
[4] – US Court of appeals
US-China Trade: Supply Chain Impacts of April & May 2025 Tariffs
Chinese GDP and exports to the US surged just before new tariffs took effect on April 9, with year-over-year GDP growth reaching 7.7% in March and 6.1% in April—exceeding the expected 5.5% [1] [2].
This pre-tariff rush created ripple effects in shipping, with ocean carriers canceling numerous scheduled port calls (“blank sailings”) in April due to falling demand after the implementation of the tariffs [4]. Notably, these disruptions were limited to trans-Pacific routes rather than affecting transatlantic trade.
Looking ahead, experts anticipate another export surge during the current 90-day tariff reduction window, coinciding with the typical summer freight peak for fall/winter retail inventory.
While US inflation rose 2.3% in April, economists believe the full impact of tariffs, which we discussed in our last newsletter, will appear in May and June data [5] [6]. Meanwhile, major retailers face pressure, with President Trump telling Walmart to “eat the tariffs” rather than raise consumer prices [7].
For businesses using just-in-time inventory strategies, this 90-day window presents an opportunity to stock up before potential price increases. Our team stands ready to help with your supply needs, including our competitively priced flame retardants. Contact us here.
[1] – Surge of exports to beat out tariffs
[2] – National Bureau of Statistics of China data
[3] – Charts from Marketplace Pulse
[4] – Blank sailings trends
[5] – US Bureau of Labor Statistics data for April 2025
[6] – Moody’s chief economist on April 2025 data
[7] – Walmart and Trump on tariffs effects for American’s
Global Plastics Industry Trade Shows: Your 2025-2026 Guide
Major Industry Events: ChinaPlas and K 2025
K 2025 (K-Messe)
Date: October 8-15, 2025
Location: Messe Düsseldorf, Germany
K 2025 stands as the world’s largest trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry. Held every three years, this eight-day event draws over 3,300 exhibitors and 225,000 visitors from across the globe. The upcoming edition will highlight sustainability solutions, circular economy innovations, and digitalization in plastics manufacturing. The 2025 theme focuses on “Plastics Shape the Future” with special exhibits on climate protection, resource conservation, and digitalization.
ChinaPlas 2025 & 2026
Date: April 21-24, 2026
Location: Shanghai, China
ChinaPlas continues to be Asia’s premier plastics and rubber trade fair. The 2025 edition showcased the latest innovations in machinery, materials, and manufacturing technologies across the plastics value chain. With over 3,500 exhibitors from more than 30 countries, ChinaPlas remains essential for companies looking to expand their presence in growing Asian markets. It historically occurs in April, with the 2025 event having just wrapped.
Looking ahead, mark your calendars for ChinaPlas 2026 tentatively scheduled for April 20-23, 2026, in Shanghai.
ChinaPlas, NPE, and K-Messe are the three largest plastics conventions in the world, and there are smaller conventions throughout out the year.
Finding Additional Industry Events
The plastics industry calendar is filled with specialized trade shows and conferences throughout the year. For a comprehensive listing of upcoming events, visit Plastics Technology’s events calendar.
Whether you’re looking for extrusion-focused exhibitions, packaging innovations, or medical plastics conferences, the Plastics Technology events calendar provides an up-to-date guide to help plan your industry engagement strategy.
This article is not paid advertising. This is part of Ocean Chemical’s effort to share information and awareness about modern plastics networks.
Written by Kent Scholler