Every fluctuation in U.S.-China trade relations sends ripples through the cross-border e-commerce community. As tariff policies remain unpredictable, maintaining stable logistics timelines becomes crucial. Matson Navigation's CLX and MAX express service schedules for the first half of 2025 offer reliable reference points for anxious e-commerce sellers navigating these turbulent waters.
June Schedule: Preparing for Peak Season
Entering June, Matson Navigation plans to operate four CLX express voyages and four MAX express voyages. These departures will originate from Ningbo and Shanghai Waigaoqiao, bound for two different terminals at Long Beach Port. The scheduled vessels include:
- KAIMANA HILA 063E (KMH)
- MATSON MAGNOLIA 008E (MGX)
- LURLINE 090E (LUR)
- MATSON KAUAI 030E (MKX)
- DANIEL K. INOUYE 088E (DKI)
- MATSON OAHU 024E (MUX)
- MATSONIA 063E (MAT)
- MATSON MAUI 030E (MMX)
Additionally, eleven Matson express vessels are expected to arrive at Long Beach Port's Terminals A and C during June.
May Operations: Meeting Surging Demand
Mid-May saw a dramatic increase in shipping volumes following progress in U.S.-China negotiations, with freight rates rising accordingly. Matson adjusted capacity by scheduling five CLX express voyages and six MAX express voyages to meet market demand. These vessels also departed from Ningbo and Shanghai Waigaoqiao for Long Beach Port.
April Challenges: Stability Amid Tariff Hikes
April presented unprecedented challenges when the U.S. imposed tariffs of up to 125% on Chinese goods. Many shipping companies suspended or canceled U.S. routes, with some voyages experiencing delays. Despite these conditions, Matson maintained stable operations throughout the month.
Several competitors announced service suspensions during April, including:
- Evergreen's CPS route: Four consecutive cancellations (April 20-May 11)
- ZIM's ZX2: Multiple delays and service suspensions
- Multiple Ocean Alliance routes experiencing cancellations
March Through January: Consistent Performance
Matson demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the first half of the year:
March: Maintained operations despite additional 10% tariffs implemented in February, with four CLX and four MAX voyages.
February: Adjusted capacity during Lunar New Year with four CLX and one MAX voyages.
January: Began the year with robust capacity of five CLX and five MAX voyages.
Throughout these challenging months, Matson's express vessels continued regular arrivals at Long Beach Port's Terminals A and C, providing much-needed stability for cross-border e-commerce shippers navigating uncertain trade conditions.