Behind The Empty Docks: How Trump's 145% Tariffs Are Gutting U.S. Supply Chains

As U.S. ports begin to empty and retailers brace for impact, experts warn that we are just beginning to feel the ripple effects of President Donald Trump's new 145% tariffs on Chinese goods. While social media buzz paints an exaggerated picture of ghost ports, the underlying supply chain disruption is very real — and it could soon hit home for American consumers.

Slow Ships, Sudden Shock

Tariffs don't grind global trade to a halt overnight. Freight ships from China typically take several weeks to reach U.S. ports. But already, the effects of paused or canceled shipments are being seen, particularly at major hubs like the Port of Los Angeles.

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Gene Seroka, executive director of the port, told CNBC that shipments from China have "essentially ceased," and the port expects a 35% decline in cargo arriving next week.

Seroka added that large retailers have just five to seven weeks of inventory left before supply issues start to surface. “Until some accord or framework can be reached with China, the volume coming out of there, save a couple of different commodities, will be very light at best,” he said.

A Chain Reaction Through the Economy

According to Fortune, the slowdown will unfold in stages. In early May, consumers may begin noticing delays and product shortages. By mid-May, the trucking industry could feel the crunch as fewer goods arrive to be transported — resulting in layoffs. Apollo Global Management forecasts that this could spiral into a full-blown recession by mid-summer.

Products expected to be hit hardest include fast fashion, children's toys, and back-to-school supplies. That's because the U.S. imports much of its apparel and low-cost consumer goods from China, and retail shelves are replenished months in advance.

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Fact vs. Fiction at the Ports

Despite widely shared videos showing empty container yards, not all U.S. ports are equally impacted. The Northwest Seaport Alliance reports that the Port of Seattle saw a 20% increase in cargo traffic over the first four months of 2025, compared with the same time last year.

Port Commissioner Ryan Calkins acknowledged the threat of tariffs but urged calm. "There is no reason to panic," he said. "We have a diverse global economy." Still, he cautioned that if the tariffs continue, holiday shopping later in the year could be affected, especially for items like clothing and electronics.

Retailers and Officials Scramble

Major retailers like Walmart WMT, Amazon AMZN, and Home Depot HD have already tried to front-load shipments ahead of the tariff hike. According to Fortune, this led to record import activity at some ports earlier in the year. But experts warn that these stockpiles are only a temporary buffer. Jonathan Gold, vice president for supply chain and customs policy at the National Retail Federation, said that companies "will pull back and rely on built-up inventories, at least long enough to see what will happen next."

Unfortunately, what's next remains unclear. The U.S. and China have offered conflicting reports about the status of trade negotiations. In the meantime, supply chain gaps are growing, cancellations of transpacific shipping routes are increasing, and uncertainty looms large.

The Bottom Line

While viral videos may not always tell the full story, the impact of Trump's 145% tariffs on China is already rippling through U.S. supply chains. Consumers may not feel the pain immediately, but signs point to a summer of higher prices, fewer choices, and tough decisions for businesses and shoppers alike.

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