Big Technology Podcast Trade War Scorecard: What's Changing, Who's Winning, What's Next — With Ryan Petersen
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Jul 9, 2025 
Ryan Petersen, CEO of Flexport, dives into the shifting tides of global trade. He demystifies the impact of new tariffs and container costs, revealing their effects on inflation and manufacturing. Petersen highlights the rising priority of customs fraud enforcement and how it reshapes white-collar crime. The discussion also touches on the role of AI and robotics in logistics, and the environmental challenges, like the Panama Canal drought, that disrupt supply chains. Get insights on what's changing in global trade!
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Tariffs Fluctuated Cargo Volumes
- Tariffs on Chinese imports have been fluctuating drastically, initially hitting 145% then easing to about 30%.
- This caused a temporary 60% drop in cargo volume, followed by an 80% rebound above pre-tariff levels.
China’s Trade Advantage Factors
- China's manufacturing dominance and currency manipulation are key U.S. concerns in trade imbalances.
- Environmental, labor, and regulatory disparities further tilt competitive advantages towards China.
Tariffs Hurt U.S. Manufacturing
- Tariffs intended to boost U.S. manufacturing have paradoxically harmed it due to complex supply chains.
- Many U.S. manufacturers shift production to countries like Mexico to avoid costly import duties on components.