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As global trade remains in flux, recent booking data reveals shifting momentum in U.S. container exports. While much of the recent attention has focused on import declines tied to tariff-related uncertainty (see our latest bookings tracker) exports tell a more complex story. Through late April 2025, exporters are navigating policy changes, regional demand shifts, and supply chain recalibrations, all of which are reflected in the week-to-week variability seen in U.S. TEU booking volumes.
Below, we break down US export bookings and US to China bookings and what it may signal for exporters in Q2 and beyond.
US Export Bookings
This chart displays weekly U.S. export container booking volumes measured in TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), alongside both week-over-week (WoW) and year-over-year (YoY) percentage changes. It highlights recent volatility in booking activity as well as underlying year-over-year growth trends across the first four months of 2025.
Notice: Update to Real-Time Data Access
To ensure responsible use of our high-quality, real-time ocean freight data, Vizion will now publish booking and trend updates with a two-week delay. If your business needs immediate visibility into booking patterns, port activity, or trade shifts, we are happy to walk you through real-time insights. Just schedule a call with our team here or below.
Export Booking Volumes Show Week-to-Week Volatility
Since the start of 2025, U.S. export bookings have seen relatively modest week to week fluctuations. The most dramatic dip came the week of April 7, when volumes fell 10.8% to 169,693 TEUs, following an 8.0% decline the week prior amid rising tariff related uncertainty. Bookings edged back up by 4.2% the week of April 21, hinting at a possible recovery in sentiment, though still falling short of the March 31 peak of 190,333 TEUs. That momentum did not last: volumes slipped again in the final week of April, down 3.2% to 173,607 TEUs. Still, year over year growth hit 29.6%, the strongest of 2025, underscoring continued strength in U.S. export demand despite recent volatility.
Year-over-Year Growth Shows Underlying Strength
Despite short-term fluctuations, year-over-year (YoY) comparisons remain broadly positive, indicating stronger export demand relative to 2024. The week of March 17 saw a 13.5% YoY increase in bookings, while February 10 peaked with 14.0% YoY growth. Even as weekly volumes dipped in early April, the YoY figures held steady, suggesting the downturn may be more cyclical or reactive than systemic. Only a few weeks posted negative YoY growth, making it clear that U.S. exporters are shipping more this year compared to last, even as they adjust booking timing based on trade pressures.
US to China Bookings
This chart displays weekly container booking volumes from the United States to China, measured in TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), alongside both week-over-week (WoW) and year-over-year (YoY) percentage changes. It highlights a sharp and sustained decline in booking activity, with volumes collapsing throughout March and April 2025 amid escalating trade pressures and shifting global demand patterns.
Notice: Update to Real-Time Data Access
To ensure responsible use of our high-quality, real-time ocean freight data, Vizion will now publish booking and trend updates with a two-week delay. If your business needs immediate visibility into booking patterns, port activity, or trade shifts, we are happy to walk you through real-time insights. Just schedule a call with our team here or below.
US to China Export Bookings See Steepest Collapse of 2025
Since the start of 2025, container exports from the United States to China have dropped sharply. After a relatively stable February, the week of March 17 marked the start of a steep decline, with volumes down 27.6% from the previous week. The contraction accelerated in April, falling 41.6% the week of April 7 and another 46.3% the following week, bringing bookings down to just 3,434 TEUs. Volumes remained deeply suppressed through late April, reaching 3,893 TEUs the week of April 21, a 79.2% year over year decrease. The slide continued into the week of April 28, with bookings at 3,705 TEUs, down 73.2% compared to the same time last year. Although the week to week drop was less severe at 4.8%, overall volumes remain stuck near historic lows.
Year-over-Year Declines Indicate Structural Strain
Unlike broader U.S. export trends, year-over-year performance for US to China shipments has remained consistently negative across all weeks in 2025. Even in February, when booking volumes hovered near 17,000 TEUs, YoY comparisons reflected declines of 10–30%. In April, those gaps widened dramatically, reaching nearly -80% YoY by mid-month. This sustained downturn suggests more than short-term volatility: exporters may be facing systemic challenges, including retaliatory tariffs, reduced U.S. buyer demand, and sourcing shifts.
Key Takeaways
- US export bookings remain resilient, with mostly positive year-over-year growth despite week-to-week volatility driven by tariff uncertainty and global demand shifts.
- US to China exports have collapsed, falling nearly 80% YoY by late April, pointing to deep disruptions tied to sourcing shifts, policy retaliation, or softening U.S. demand.
- Volatility is the common thread, but the underlying drivers differ. U.S. exporters are adapting to global market conditions, while China faces more structural export challenges to the U.S. market.
What’s Driving the Shifts?
Several macro factors are likely behind the booking volatility seen in early 2025. Tariff adjustments in March and April may have prompted cautious booking behavior or encouraged front-loading ahead of new policies. Meanwhile, shifting demand from key global markets is influencing volumes, especially for major U.S. exports like agricultural goods, machinery, and energy-related products. At the same time, carrier capacity changes and rate fluctuations continue to impact how and when exporters secure space, particularly during what is typically a high-activity season.
Despite mid-April slowdowns, year-over-year growth trends remain broadly positive, suggesting U.S. exporters are holding strong in the face of uncertainty. Week-to-week swings reflect market adjustments, not a collapse in activity. As trade conditions evolve, exporters that remain agile, adjusting booking strategies and staying close to rate and policy shifts, will be best positioned to manage risk and maintain momentum throughout the year.
Get Ahead with Early Trade Intelligence
Vizion’s TradeView platform gives you live visibility into:
- Booking trends by product type, HS code, or commodity
- Changes by country or port
- Shipment behavior by consignee, shipper, and logistics provider
Want a walkthrough? Schedule time with our team to explore how TradeView helps you anticipate disruption and stay competitive.
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