Transport and Port Updates – February 2025

Overall This week, the Drewry composite index increased by 2%. Freight rates between various ports have shown diversity; rates from Rotterdam to New York decreased 2%. Rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles and  Shanghai to New York declined by 1%. Drewry expects spot rates to decrease slightly in the coming week due to the increase…

Understanding Trump’s America First Trade Policy: What It Means for Global Trade

On January 20th, President Donald Trump issued the America First Trade Policy, signaling a return to an aggressive stance on trade designed to prioritize American businesses, workers, and economic security. The policy builds on previous trade strategies from his first administration, with a renewed focus on reducing trade deficits, reshaping trade agreements, strengthening enforcement, and…

Trump Tariffs: RECIPROCAL TARIFFS, STEEL AND ALUMINUM DERIVATIVES LIST PUBLISHED

The latest: RECIPROCAL TARIFFS, STEEL AND ALUMINUM DERIVATIVES LIST PUBLISHED February 14, 2025 U.S. Announces Plan for Reciprocal Tariffs The U.S. government has announced a plan to impose reciprocal tariffs on countries that maintain higher tariffs on American goods or enforce non-tariff trade barriers. These barriers include phytosanitary measures, technical restrictions, export subsidies, weak IP…

Transport and Port Updates – January 2025

Overall This week, the Drewry composite index increased by 3%. Freight rates between various ports have shown diversity; rates from Rotterdam to New York remained stable. Rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles increased by 7% and Shanghai to New York rose by 6%. Drewry expects rates on the Transpacific trade to rise in the coming…

Global Trade Amid Tariffs, Strikes, and Geopolitical Conflict in 2025

As the world prepares for the Trump Administration, global trade finds itself navigating a storm of uncertainty. President-elect Donald Trump’s looming inauguration has reignited fears of a renewed trade war, leaving businesses and governments scrambling to assess the potential fallout from tariffs, port disruptions, and geopolitical instability. Trade Headwinds Loom Large The promise of widespread…

Important Guidance on Wood Packaging Material (WPM) Compliance

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have issued guidance on ensuring compliance with Wood Packaging Material (WPM) standards. This guidance includes a comprehensive checklist designed to help exporters and shippers verify that WPM meets U.S. import requirements, reducing the risk of costly delays, inspections, or penalties.…

Biden’s Last-Minute Chips Probe Targets China, Sets Stage for Trump’s Trade Agenda

The Biden administration has initiated a trade investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, targeting Chinese-made “legacy” semiconductors. These older chips power everyday products like automobiles, washing machines, and telecom equipment. The probe, announced just four weeks before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, aims to protect U.S. and allied semiconductor manufacturers from China’s…