The Airforwarders Association’s recent member survey was rife with negative comments around the trouble brought about by last year’s U.S. import tariffs. One stated it was a downright nightmare, while many talked about the increased friction, the huge rise in workload – particularly in having to explain processes to customers – not to mention the overall slowdown, be this through customs delays, airport congestion, reduced flight schedules, or inconsistent security and documentation processes. One summarized: “The initial impact of the Tariff’s was significant. Seems to have leveled off in the 2nd half of 2025. Time spent with the data entry and auditing of the Customs Entries has put a strain on our internal departments.” Unsurprisingly, 83% reported reduced shipping volumes as a result. And the outlook is bleak. Another respondent predicted: “No matter what the courts say, I suspect Trump will simply find more ways to impose the tariffs. They are here to stay and will continue to disrupt markets and trade much to the detriment of freight forwarders.”
Brandon Fried, Executive Director, Airforwarders Association, concluded: “Last year was defined by instability, with shifting trade policy, new tariffs, and changing security and compliance requirements, making it difficult for forwarders and their customers to plan with confidence. These results underline the need for more stable, predictable policymaking to provide businesses with the confidence to invest, plan capacity, and make longer-term supply chain decisions.” He will be advocating for betterment on Capitol hill, to combat further volatility, increased operational costs and administrative workload.
Glyn Hughes, Director General, The International Air Cargo Association, had this to say about the findings: “The survey results reflect the reality that current U.S. trade policy is creating. As barriers go up, products and supply chains go elsewhere, its economics 101. The weaponization of tariffs to punish countries that don’t align to current U.S. positions has caused pain and uncertainty. This has generated a global focus on a U.S. plus one strategy when it comes to consumption markets. The ending of the de minimis exemptions from duties and tariffs has also had a negative impact. The reshoring of manufacturing will also face obstacles as unit costs of U.S. manufacturing is not competitive on the global stage. Since the early 1990s, the global economy has thrived, the U.S. has powered ahead as the world’s leading economy and wealthiest nation and over 1 billion people around the globe have been elevated out of extreme poverty on the back of outsourced production. This success is now at risk.”
