During his first term, Donald Trump imposed tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, significantly increasing costs for companies like Goodfellow, which had clients rushing to advance orders to avoid future price hikes. The uncertainty surrounding tariffs has disrupted global supply chains, prompting firms worldwide to reevaluate sourcing strategies and leading to spikes in shipping costs. As companies like Jaguar Land Rover and Audi pause US exports amid ongoing trade tensions, analysts predict a long-term decline in US-China trade demand and shipping rates.