Refrigerated Container Supply Squeeze Persists
The global production of refrigerated containers has soared to the highest levels seen in more than a decade, with first-quarter output up nearly 145% compared with last year. Yet, despite this…
Archive: News
New Rules Raise Questions on Transshipments and Tariff Classifications
U.S. importers are adjusting to two significant customs developments that could impact their cost exposure and compliance risk An expansion in the number of Harmonised Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes allowed…
Asia-Europe Shipping Improves as Trans-Pacific Trade Slows
The outlook for container shipping between Asia and Europe has been looking more positive, with demand increasing and rates rising by almost 50% since the end of May. In contrast,…
SHIPS for America Act Adds Complexity to USTR’s China Tariff Plans
The re-introduction of the SHIPS for America Act is the latest in a growing list of regulatory developments adding complexity and cost to the business of importing goods into the…
Courts Halt Then Resume Trump’s Global Tariffs — Congress May Hold the Key
President Donald Trump’s effort to reinstate sweeping global tariffs hit a major legal barrier and his ability to move forward may now depend on Congress. On May 28, 2025, the…
Temporary US-China Tariff Relief Masks Complex Trade Reality
Shippers rushing to capitalise on a temporary pause in US-China tariffs could face an unpleasant surprise, as many underlying duties remain firmly in place despite eye-catching headline reductions. The 90-day…
Transpacific Sea Freight Pressured by Tariff Surge
A wave of front-loaded cargo from China to the US is overwhelming key Asian ports and sending transpacific container rates soaring. Triggered by a temporary 90-day tariff reduction, the rush…
Spot Rate Pressure Mounts as Asia-Europe Carriers Struggle to Balance Supply and Demand
Container shipping lines operating between Asia and Europe are grappling with a growing gap between capacity and demand, prompting aggressive attempts to reverse the continued erosion of spot market rates.…
What the UK’s Latest Trade Deals Mean
In May 2025, the UK concluded new trade agreements with the European Union (May 19), United States (May 8) and India (May 6), with implications for US importers and exporters.…
Navigating New Tariff Pressures
With tariffs rising and enforcement accelerating, compliance has moved from the back office to the boardroom, and businesses must treat customs risk as a core operational and reputational issue, to…
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