The US-China trade spat was among the key topics of discussion at last week’s TradeWinds China Shipping Conference in Shanghai.

However, panellists were mostly relaxed about the trade war’s impact.

Western Bulk Pte managing director Vivek Kumar said the volume of cargoes would not change, although, he added, shifting trade patterns could impact tonne miles.

Vincent Lai, chief executive of Chinese shipowner Landbridge Holdings, said he thinks the shipping industry may actually benefit from the trade tension.