Since early 2025, the trade war between the United States, Europe, and China has taken a sharp turn. Washington has implemented a 20% surcharge on a wide range of European products, directly affecting French exporters. In this tense climate, the impact on international freight flows — particularly air freight — and overall logistics costs has been immediate.

Cosmo Freight breaks down what this means for your business and how to adapt your logistics strategy.

📦 What products are affected by the new tariffs?

The new U.S. measures specifically target key sectors of the European economy. The most impacted products include:

• Alcohol and spirits: wine, champagne, cognac

• Processed food products

• Industrial machinery and components

• Luxury goods and cosmetics

In response, China has imposed counter-tariffs of up to 84% on certain U.S. goods, which is reshaping global trade routes and supply chain decisions.

💸 How do these changes impact logistics costs?

🔹 Air Freight France → USA

• Export volumes are declining, as some businesses reduce or suspend shipments due to tariff increases.

• Cost per kilogram is rising, since less volume means lower aircraft utilization and therefore higher rates.

🔹 Air Freight USA → France

• Import demand from the U.S. to France is weakening, especially for sectors affected by EU countermeasures.

• This results in unbalanced flows, with full aircraft in one direction and underutilized capacity on the return leg.

🔹 Ripple effect on ocean freight

• Some shippers are shifting to ocean freight to lower costs. However, longer lead times and port congestion often make this alternative less attractive.

🔍 How can European exporters and importers adapt?

1. Reassess target markets

   • Diversify exports toward Asia, Africa, or Latin America to reduce reliance on the U.S.

2. Optimize Incoterms and sales contracts

   • Choose better-suited Incoterms (EXW, DDP…) to control or delegate customs-related responsibilities.

3. Adopt a multimodal strategy

   • Combine air + sea freight to balance speed, cost, and reliability depending on your destination and cargo type.

🔧 Cosmo Freight is here to support you

In this fast-changing environment, our expertise helps you anticipate risks and adapt your supply chain in real-time:

✅ Audit of current shipping routes and cost-saving suggestions
✅ Customs guidance and surcharge forecasts
✅ Access to a global network of reliable partners, even for urgent shipments
✅ Hybrid sea/air solutions with guaranteed lead times

📩 Conclusion

The new trade barriers imposed by the United States are generating significant pressure on freight flows, with direct consequences for cost, delivery time, and profit margins. For French importers and exporters, a proactive, diversified, and well-advised approach is essential.

At Cosmo Freight, we bring our expertise to help you stay competitive.
Our tailored logistics solutions will help you overcome uncertainty and secure your shipments worldwide.

👉 Need personalized guidance?
Contact us today for a free analysis of your logistics flow.