Last week’s trade data shows incredibly bleak picture for the US economy: 49% drop in global container bookings, 30% drop in exports

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Last week’s trade data shows an incredibly bleak picture for the economy:

– 49% drop in global container bookings
– 64% drop in U.S. imports.
– 30% drop in U.S. exports.

The data from March 24-31, 2025, compared to the subsequent week (April 1-8, 2025), shows a dramatic decrease in pre-order quantities. The total number of standard container bookings dropped by 49%, overall U.S. imports by 64%, and overall U.S. exports by 30%. This sharp decline coincides with two key events: the U.S. announcement of retaliatory tariffs on China and China’s subsequent countermeasures. These tariff actions have led to a widespread freeze in shipping bookings, with shippers pausing their operations mid-cycle to reassess costs, timelines, and broader trade strategies.

https://www.ainvest.com/news/tariffs-spark-64-drop-imports-49-decline-container-bookings-2504/

If this continues for more than a few weeks, there is no doubt in my mind that we are headed for the worst recession in our lifetime.

Meanwhile in China trade data this week

AC