US Tariffs and the End of Maritime Free Trade

2 April 2025 marks a turning point in global maritime trade. The age of maritime free trade and market globalisation is giving way to a new era of economic nationalism. For over 80 years, international trade thrived under open markets. This system promoted peace, prosperity, and cooperation between continents.

Free trade allowed goods and people to move with minimal restrictions. Low tariffs and unrestricted access to global shipping lanes supported the rise of a connected world. States cooperated to maintain security, environmental standards, and legal certainty—without interfering too heavily. Institutions like the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) helped prevent unfair practices, such as port blockades or excessive fees on foreign vessels.

This framework is now under threat.

Tariffs Signal the End of an Era

The reintroduction of US tariffs is reshaping global trade. Businesses rush to ship goods before new levies take effect, causing port congestion, delays, and operational bottlenecks. Over time, these disruptions add instability to supply chains and drive up the cost of everyday goods.

America is stepping back from its traditional role as a defender of free trade. As a result, ports and shipping routes face growing geopolitical risk. The previous certainty that supported international commerce is being replaced by rising tension and unpredictability.

Maritime Security Under Pressure

One of the greatest casualties of this shift is maritime security. For decades, global shipping relied on shared legal frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). These ensured that cargo could move freely from Shanghai to Southampton without interference.

Today, those norms are breaking down. Strategic chokepoints – like the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal – are becoming flashpoints. Governments and rogue actors are seizing ships, imposing sudden fees, or weaponising maritime infrastructure for political gain.

The oceans, once open highways of commerce, are turning into contested zones of fragmented sovereignty.

The Rise of Mercantilism in the Maritime World

Though tariff policies are still evolving, one trend is clear: the era of globalisation is ending. In its place, modern mercantilism is rising. States are prioritising national interest over global cooperation. Trade rules are no longer designed to benefit the world, but to serve domestic goals.

The maritime industry must adapt. Shipping companies, port authorities, and international organisations will face growing pressure to navigate this new protectionist landscape that disrupts maritime free trade.

further INSIGHT | Téthys Naval