LABOR ACTION IMPACTS ROTTERDAM PORT OPERATIONS A labor strike at Rotterdam's Delta II terminal is intensifying, with Dutch union FNV Havens calling for dockworkers in other European ports to refuse handling vessels diverted from the terminal. This action raises concerns about potential cross-border “solidarity strikes,” which could disrupt regional trade. [...]
On February 10, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed two proclamations—Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States and Adjusting Imports of Aluminum Into the United States—reinstating 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports. The move eliminates prior exemptions and alternative agreements, significantly impacting global trade. WHY THE U.S. [...]
BIS PUTS NEW EXPORT LICENSE APPLICATIONS ON "HOLD WITHOUT ACTION" The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has paused reviews of new export license applications submitted after February 5, 2025. No formal announcement has been published from the agency, nor have the actions been announced on the White House website. [...]
On February 13, 2025, President Donald J. Trump announced the Fair and Reciprocal Plan, a new trade and tariff strategy aimed at addressing imbalances in international trade. This announcement follows the administration’s decision earlier in the week to impose 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. According to President Trump, [...]
On February 10, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation adjusting imports of steel into the United States. WHITE HOUSE REINSTATES 25% TARIFF ON STEEL IMPORTS, NO EXEMPTIONS OR ALTERNATIVE AGREEMENTS This action reinstates a 25% tariff on steel imports, removing previous exemptions and alternative agreements with countries such [...]
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) recently announced that the U.S. is set to increase tariffs on a range of Chinese imports through phased hikes over the next several years. Starting September 27, 2024, tariffs on electric vehicles, EV batteries, solar cells, needles, syringes, face masks, critical [...]
The Biden-Harris Administration recently announced plans to tighten regulations on the de minimis exemption, a rule that allows goods valued at $800 or less to enter the United States without duties, taxes, or extensive documentation. These changes seek to curb the flow of duty-free textile and apparel imports from China. [...]
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) remain stymied in contract negotiations. This contract, originally signed in 2018, is set to expire on September 30, 2024. Shippers, vessel owners, importers, and exporters anxiously await resolution as both sides work toward a resolution while a threat [...]
The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) are currently entrenched in contract negotiations revolving around the coast-wide Master Contract. The ILA is the largest union of maritime workers in North America, representing 85,000 longshore workers along the East Coast, Gulf Coast, Puerto Rico, Great Lakes, and [...]
UPS AND TEAMSTERS REACH AGREEMENT UPS and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (Teamsters) reached a tentative agreement for a five-year contract on Tuesday averting a strike. Endorsed by the UPS Teamsters National Negotiating Committee, the tentative agreement adds new full-time jobs, increases hourly pay rates for both full and part-time [...]
