‘Tariff Day’ April 2, CBP insights, de minimis timelines, and van de Weg’s new CEO role

This two-part episode of The Freight Buyers’ Club Podcast, produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group, unpacks the biggest trade and freight disruptions of 2025, from new U.S. tariffs and de minimis rule changes to air cargo market challenges and supply chain resilience strategies.

In Part 1, host Mike King is joined by Greg Knowler (Senior Editor-Europe, Journal of Commerce) and Cindy Allen (CEO & Managing Director, Trade Force Multiplier) to analyse:

• Tariff Day or Liberation Day? What to expect from Trump’s April 2 tariff hikes and why they could be a game-changer for global trade.
• De minimis chaos and e-commerce disruption – How the failed rollout of new U.S. import rules in February created market turmoil, and whether regulators are ready this time.
• Container shipping market outlook – With the Red Sea crisis ongoing and rates fluctuating, what’s driving the latest spot rate trends?
• Trans-Atlantic frontloading and trade retaliation – How businesses are adapting to rising uncertainty, and why U.S.-Europe trade flows are shifting.
• U.S. Customs and policy implementation – Insights from Cindy Allen’s time at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on how government agencies enforce trade policy.
• Freight procurement strategy – How BCOs can navigate unpredictable tariffs, shifting shipping costs, and regulatory uncertainty.

In Part 2, Mike sits down with Robert Van de Weg (CEO, ‘mas’ cargo airline) for an exclusive discussion on the air cargo market, including:

• The freighter and air cargo outlook for 2025 – Will demand and rates continue to soften, or are new disruptions ahead?
• How de minimis and tariff changes are impacting air cargo flows – What shippers and airlines must prepare for.
• Navigating a volatile freight market – Lessons from Robert’s leadership experience at KLM Cargo, Cargolux, Atlas Air, and ECS Group.
• Opportunities and risks for freighter operators in 2025 – How ‘mas’ is planning its fleet expansion amid uncertainty.
• The future of air cargo – What shippers, forwarders, and airlines must do to stay ahead in an unpredictable market.

Produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group

Episode in more detail

Part 1 – Greg Knowler and Cindy Allen with Mike King

Chaos at London Heathrow airport (3.28)

Container shipping market outlook and disruptions (6.19)

Cindy Allen: U.S. tariffs, implications and confusion over duties (9.09)

Tariff retaliation vs U.S. (16.25)

Explained: U.S. de minimis regulations and implementation options (18.48)

Is the Trump administration working with CBP and other agencies (26.16)

Post-de minimis, who applies and collects duties? (29.08)

301 hearing and taxing U.S. port calls (33.22)

Liberation Day? Tariff Day? What to expect on 2 April (36.42)

Trans-Atlantic frontloading (39.46)

Global air cargo rates outlook and de minimis impact (40.40)

A new era for trade and advice: Keep Calm And Carry On (44.33)

Part 2 Mike King interviews Robert van de Weg, CEO of Mexican freight operator ‘mas’ (50.46)

Operations, fleet expansion, and ambitions in Robert’s new role (51.25)

The freighter and air cargo outlook in 2025 (56.44)

Tariff wars (59.39)

Succeeding in an age of chaos (1.01.29)

Lessons from KLM Cargo (1.04.14)

Leadership (1.06.55)

What can air cargo do better? (1.08.26)

Crystal ball and a people’s world (1.11.22)