On April 2, President Donald Trump unveiled a sweeping tariff policy that will affect nearly every U.S. trading partner. Under the new “reciprocal” tariff system, all imports into the U.S. will face a minimum 10% tariff starting April 5, with higher country-specific rates taking effect on April 9. These targeted rates are based on the trade imbalances and barriers each country imposes on U.S.…
President Trump has circled Wednesday, April 2, on the calendar and dubbed it “Liberation Day.” But for importers, exporters, and logistics professionals, it’s shaping up to be a day of high-stakes policy shifts—especially around tariffs. Here’s what we know, what we don’t, and what our customers and partners should keep in mind. What Exactly…
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…
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…
The Panama Canal has long been a vital artery for global trade, dramatically shortening maritime routes between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Built by the United States and operated for much of its existence under American control, the canal was transferred to Panama in 1999. But recently, it has become the focus of fresh geopolitical…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…