U.S. Government Shutdown Hits 40 Days — Treasury Warns of Slower Cargo Movement and Supply Chain Shortages

1️⃣ Breaking News: Treasury Secretary Warns of Supply Chain Slowdown
On November 9, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that cargo movement across the United States is slowing down due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. As the shutdown enters its 40th day — the longest in history, Bessent noted that “supply shortages may occur, especially during the upcoming holiday season.”
He further warned that if the shutdown continues, U.S. GDP growth in Q4 could be cut in half. White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett added that the nation’s growth could even “turn negative.”
2️⃣ Data Insights: The Real Signs Behind the Slowdown
Port congestion rising – Throughput at Los Angeles and Long Beach ports dropped by 12% month-over-month in October.
Truck dispatch delays – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) approvals are stalled, delaying interstate trucking permits.
Customs clearance slowdown – Partial shutdown of customs and related agencies has extended clearance times by 10–20%.
Holiday demand surge – As Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Christmas approach, tight shipping capacity meets rising consumer demand.
3️⃣ Impact on China–U.S. Shipping and Trade
1. Warehouse congestion in U.S. hubs Los Angeles, New York, and New Jersey warehouses are seeing inbound backlogs and delivery delays, with FBA appointments becoming harder to secure.
2. Cost fluctuation and delivery uncertainty Sea freight delays of 3–5 days are becoming common, while air freight rates have risen by 8–12% since October.
3. Higher risk for Q4 replenishment Exporters shipping in late November may face missed Christmas sales windows, leading to inventory shortages for U.S. retailers and Amazon sellers.
4️⃣ Shipping Recommendations for Exporters
✅ Plan vessel space early Choose reliable fast-lane services (e.g., Matson, ZIM, COSCO direct West Coast routes) to secure stable schedules and faster delivery.
✅ Use hybrid models: Sea + Domestic transfer / Overseas warehouses Combine overseas warehousing and local distribution to shorten final delivery time during the U.S. peak season.
✅ Ensure customs documentation accuracy Incomplete or inaccurate paperwork can trigger long delays — double-check invoices, packing lists, and any required FDA/EPA forms.
✅ Prepare a backup air freight plan For time-sensitive products (electronics, gifts, fast-moving SKUs), consider Air + Express or Fast Ocean + Trucking options to guarantee on-time delivery.
5️⃣ Our Services — Fast, Reliable, End-to-End U.S. Logistics
At Yantian Express / Misen Express, we provide flexible and secure China–U.S. shipping solutions:
🚢 Ocean Express – Matson / ZIM / COSCO premium lines ✈️ Air Freight – 6–8 working days door-to-door 🏠 U.S. Warehousing + Deconsolidation + FBA Delivery 📦 Oversized Cargo / Special Goods / Customs Clearance
💬 Have cargo ready to ship to the U.S.? Contact our logistics team for a tailored shipping plan and real-time quotation based on your cargo size, weight, and delivery timeline.
6️⃣ Final Thoughts
The ongoing U.S. government shutdown is putting unprecedented pressure on the global supply chain. For exporters, early planning, multi-route flexibility, and local warehousing will be key to staying ahead during Q4 and the upcoming holiday surge.
Yantian Express will continue to monitor the situation and share the latest updates to help our clients ship smarter and faster in 2025.