Archive: USA

By Paul Kelly in Blog Posted: 4th, September, 2025

US Importers and Exporters Confront a Shifting Trade Landscape

For decades, US businesses have thrived on global trade, benefiting from relatively predictable rules and preferential systems that supported both imports and exports. Today, however, shifting trade policies are rewriting…

By Paul Kelly in News Posted: 21st, August, 2025

Transpacific Freight Balances Between Volatility and Stabilisation

Transpacific container shipping is showing signs of stabilisation after months of volatility, but the market remains unsettled by tariff pressures, shifting trade flows and persistent oversupply. Spot rates on Asia–US…

By Paul Kelly in News Posted: 12th, August, 2025

New Tariff Truce to Break US/China Trade Deadlock

The United States and China have agreed to prolong their temporary halt on recent tariff hikes for a further 90 days, offering a brief reprieve for importers as high-level negotiations…

By Paul Kelly in News Posted: 11th, August, 2025

New Tariffs Take Effect as EU Land Trade Deal

The first week of August has brought two major developments, the formal start of new tariffs and a US–EU trade framework designed to reset transatlantic commerce. From 7 August, the…

By Paul Kelly in News Posted: 11th, August, 2025

Invisible Inventory and Front-Loading Cloud Freight Market Outlook

The early rush to front-load shipments ahead of impending tariffs has drained much of the typical second-half year demand. At the same time, invisible inventory - goods stalled in yards,…

By Paul Kelly in News Posted: 3rd, July, 2025

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…

By Paul Kelly in News Posted: 3rd, July, 2025

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,…

By Paul Kelly in News Posted: 4th, June, 2025

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…

By Paul Kelly in News Posted: 29th, May, 2025

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…

By Paul Kelly in News Posted: 22nd, May, 2025

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…

Popular Posts
Freight outlook 2025

8th, January, 2025

The global freight industry in 2025 presents a dynamic landscape shaped by robust demand, geopolitical…

Asia and freight market update; June 2024

19th, June, 2024

The OECD, WTO and IMF are predicting that global trade growth could more than double…

Asia and freight market update; April 2024

23rd, April, 2024

Iran’s seizure of the 15,000 teu MSC Aries in international waters off the Gulf of…