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…
Archive: USA
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,…
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…
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…
De Minimis Ends for China and Hong Kong
The U.S. is closing a long-standing trade loophole that once allowed millions of parcels from China to enter the country duty-free. From 2 May 2025, the de minimis threshold—which exempts…
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