Current state of U.S.-China trade

Trade flows between the United States and China remain significantly below levels seen before the introduction of new tariffs. While some recent indicators point to stabilization in parts of the relationship, overall bilateral trade has not returned to pre-tariff volumes.

project44 analysis findings

Analysis published by project44 highlights a subtle shift late in the period under review. Their data show that U.S. exports to China recorded an improvement in December, interrupting a long stretch of year-over-year declines.

Details of the December export uptick

The December rise in exports was the first year-over-year increase after months of steady decreases. The recovery is described as modest, but notable because it follows a period in which exports were broadly falling.

How 2025 tariffs and policy shifts affected trade

Much of 2025 was characterized by sharp drops in trade tied to newly implemented tariffs and shifting trade policy. Those measures played a central role in reducing cross-border shipments and altering the patterns of trade between the two countries.

Persistent weakness in imports from China

Imports from China continue to lag, remaining well below the levels seen in the prior year. Volumes of goods entering the United States from China have not mirrored the modest improvement seen on the export side.

How tariffs reshaped sourcing and manufacturing decisions

The new tariff environment has pushed many companies to rethink sourcing strategies and manufacturing footprints. Tariffs have reshaped sourcing decisions and prompted numerous firms to pull back from manufacturing in China, contributing to the sustained weakness in imports.

Summary of key facts

The following points summarize the central facts reported:

• U.S.-China trade remains well below pre-tariff levels
• project44 data show U.S. exports to China improved in December
• That December reading was the first year-over-year export increase after months of declines
• The export rebound was modest
• Much of 2025 saw sharp trade drops tied to new tariffs and shifting policy
• Imports from China remain far below last year’s volumes
• Tariffs have altered sourcing and led many companies to reduce manufacturing in China
• Exports show early signs of recovery, but imports have not yet followed

Rising threat in everyday logistics

Cyberattacks are appearing more frequently in day-to-day logistics operations, and the latest analysis indicates the trend is accelerating. A new report from Everstream Analytics highlights growing risk across the logistics sector and warns of a significant escalation ahead.

Projected increase for 2026

Everstream Analytics projects that cyberattacks targeting logistics companies will double in 2026 after several years of sharp growth. The forecast signals a steep rise in incidents affecting the industry over the near term.

Types of organizations monitored

The research follows incidents that affect a broad set of logistics actors. Everstream specifically tracks breaches and attacks involving:

• Carriers
• Ports
• Third-party logistics providers (3PLs)
• Other logistics service providers

Long-term escalation since 2021

The report finds a dramatic increase in activity over recent years: attacks directed at logistics operations are up nearly 1,000% since 2021. That rise reflects a sustained upward trajectory rather than isolated spikes.

Notable surge during 2025

In 2025 alone, cyber incidents tied to logistics climbed 61%, increasing from 132 reported cases to 213. That single-year jump underscores how rapidly the threat environment has worsened.

Shift in attacker strategy and systemic risks

Researchers say attackers are shifting tactics. Rather than focusing on individual companies, hackers increasingly target shared transportation networks. Because these networks connect many firms, a single breach can ripple across thousands of businesses and amplify disruption.

Where to read the full findings

For the complete analysis, see the Everstream Analytics report and related coverage read the full report from Everstream Analytics

Partnership expansion announced

Chantilly, Virginia–based parcel carrier OnTrac and Austin, Texas–based ShipStation, the web-based e-commerce shipping platform, announced an expanded collaboration this week. The companies said the enhancement ties OnTrac’s delivery footprint into ShipStation’s shipping technology to give merchants additional shipping choices.

Network integration and coverage details

The expanded arrangement fully integrates OnTrac’s delivery network into ShipStation. OnTrac’s network reaches more than 75 percent of U.S. shoppers and covers 48 of the top 50 metropolitan areas, providing broad geographic reach for online sellers and logistics providers.

ShipStation capabilities included in the integration

ShipStation’s platform features are being made available alongside OnTrac’s network. The companies highlighted a set of advanced shipping tools now accessible together:

• Automated rate shopping
• Inventory management
• Returns and exchanges processing
• Analytics and reporting

Seven-day access and merchant impact

Both firms said the combined offering gives online retailers, third-party logistics providers, and marketplace sellers “seamless access to faster, more affordable shipping options seven days a week.” The integration is positioned to expand OnTrac’s reach to a wider pool of shippers and to add carrier choices inside ShipStation’s platform.

Comments from ShipStation and Auctane leadership

Rafael de la Vega, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Auctane, ShipStation’s parent company, described the companies’ long-standing relationship and the technical integration. He said ShipStation’s API and platform will expose OnTrac services so customers can find the shipping options that suit their businesses.

De la Vega said the partnership will streamline the shipping workflow on ShipStation by surfacing additional carrier choices and services when merchants select OnTrac, and that the firms will work to make integration simple for OnTrac customers while pursuing further growth opportunities together.

OnTrac perspective and economic benefits

Vijay Ramachandran, Vice President of Marketing, Product Strategy & Marketplaces at OnTrac, said the combination of OnTrac’s coast-to-coast, seven-day operations and ShipStation’s technology delivers more than convenience. He added it provides another fast-delivery option that can unlock cost savings for shippers.

OnTrac and ShipStation said merchants using the integration can realize materially better economics versus legacy national carriers—often up to approximately 30 percent lower total costs—while accessing features tailored to e-commerce, such as marketplace shipping support and custom delivery instructions.

How sellers connect and immediate advantages

ShipStation customers can add OnTrac through a direct, native account connection within the platform. That connection immediately enables seven-day pickup, transit, and delivery across OnTrac’s broad U.S. footprint.

The companies also noted eligibility-based services such as sub-1-pound pricing, and emphasized that the integration aims to simplify switching and shipping on the updated connection for merchants who want to take advantage of the new carrier option.

Competitive context and future plans

Ramachandran pointed out that OnTrac handled a record number of consumer packages in 2025 as shippers responded to pricing and service changes by legacy national carriers. He framed the partnership as an "exit ramp" from the parcel duopoly by providing faster delivery and lower total cost alternatives to UPS and FedEx.

Looking ahead, the companies identified several next steps, including:

1. Helping OnTrac customers integrate seamlessly with ShipStation
2. Expanding usage of newly available OnTrac capabilities inside ShipStation
3. Exploring additional joint innovations on shipping features and choices for merchants

Platform scale and merchant flexibility

ShipStation powers a significant share of U.S. parcel labels, and making OnTrac’s network fully available in the platform is intended to give merchants more options and greater flexibility when managing shipments. The expanded partnership is positioned to offer faster delivery, broad reach, and measurable efficiency without adding complexity to sellers’ operations.