In June, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) made an important announcement regarding the resolution of ongoing disputes between the United States and India at the World Trade Organization (WTO). The agreement signifies a positive step forward in the bilateral trade relationship between the two nations. However, while the disputes have been terminated, India’s hopes…
The global supply chain landscape has been undergoing a significant transformation, with companies seeking ways to bring their operations closer to the U.S. economy. This shift, known as nearshoring, has proven to be highly beneficial for Mexico, positioning the country as a key beneficiary of this strategic realignment. Let’s delve into Mexico’s growing prominence as…
As the transition to electric trucks gains momentum, many fleets are taking advantage of generous incentives offered by states such as California to offset the high costs associated with electric vehicles. It’s important to understand that these incentives are not indefinite, and as regulations go into effect, they will gradually phase out. This lesser-known downside…
Overall Freight demand has remained lower and consistent over the past month. The consensus among ocean carriers and ports is that there will be a moderate increase in peak-season volumes as holiday goods are shipped. This is expected to provide some support to spot rates through summer and early fall. However, hopes of a significant…
In a significant move that has raised tensions with China, the United States and Taiwan have signed a new trade deal aimed at strengthening economic relations between the two nations. Described as the most comprehensive trade agreement since 1979, the pact seeks to deepen the economic and trade relations between the U.S. and Taiwan, which…
The global trading system is undergoing significant shifts that are reshaping international supply chains and ushering in a new era of trade. Termed “reglobalization,” this transformation is driven by two primary forces: companies seeking to mitigate the risks of pandemic-related disruptions and governments aiming to secure access to critical materials in an increasingly fragmented global…
Overall Freight demand has remained lower and more consistent over the past month. Figures are showing a six straight month of declines in container import volume. Major shippers have also indicated that supply chains are starting to stabilize. Regionally U.S. East Coast – Import: East Coast port congestion has eased. U.S. & Canada West…
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection 2023 Trade Facilitation and Cargo Security (TFCS) Summit was held in Boston April 17th – 19th. There were over 1300 attendees including importers, exporters, Customs brokers, and freight forwarders. Nicole Hess, Vice President of Brokerage, and Margaret Lange, Director of Compliance attended the summit. Speakers included members of multiple government…
This year marked the milestone 50th Annual NCBFAA conference, which took place in New Orleans. The NCBFAA, serving as the authoritative voice of the brokerage and logistics industry since 1897, holds considerable influence in shaping policy and driving reforms for the import and export community. M.E. Dey, a longstanding member for over five decades, has…
General Rate Increases (GRIs) have been making waves in the shipping industry, particularly in the trans-Pacific market. While carriers have experienced success in pushing spot rates higher, there is a growing concern among shippers that they are being taken advantage of by carriers seeking to maximize profits. Before we dive in, we should note that…