The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) recently announced updates to its Transit Reservation (Booking) System, introducing the Enhanced Long-Term Slot Allocation program (LoTSA 2.5) and modifications to how additional booking slots are offered for Neopanamax and Panamax vessel transits. WHAT IS THE LOTSA 2.5 PROGRAM? The LoTSA 2.5 program covers transit [...]
Ocean carriers are introducing emergency fuel and conflict-related surcharges as vessels reroute around the Middle East. These adjustments are increasing fuel consumption, transit times, and insurance exposure across Asia to North America trade lanes. WHY DID THE FMC REJECT IMMEDIATE IMPLEMENTATION? Carriers requested approval to implement some surcharges without [...]
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) published a new trade action under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 concerning structural excess capacity and production across global manufacturing sectors. The investigations will examine whether policies or practices in certain jurisdictions contribute to excess industrial output that burdens or [...]
The United States and Indonesia have finalized a bilateral trade agreement that maintains the existing 19% reciprocal tariff on Indonesian goods while creating a new tariff-rate quota (TRQ) for certain Indonesian textile and apparel products. Under the agreement, qualifying textile and apparel goods from Indonesia will be permitted to enter [...]
A new reciprocal trade agreement between the United States and Taiwan, signed on February 12, 2026, establishes a unified 15 percent all‑in tariff framework for most Taiwanese goods while significantly expanding market access in both directions. Originally announced back in January, the accord is positioned as part of a broader [...]
On February 6, 2026, the White House published an executive order that states the United States’ long-standing national emergency with respect to Iran continues and directs the creation of a process that could lead to additional tariffs on imports from certain foreign countries. EXECUTIVE ORDER: ADDRESSING THREATS TO THE UNITED STATES [...]
On February 6, 2026, The White House released a U.S.–India joint statement describing a framework for an “Interim Agreement” on reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade, positioned as a step within broader bilateral trade agreement negotiations. Issued the same day, an executive order removes an additional 25% ad valorem duty that had been applied to [...]
Port workers at Chattogram Port (formerly Chittagong Port) in Bangladesh agreed on Thursday to suspend strike activity for a 48 hour period following discussions with government officials, allowing limited port operations to resume. The labor action, which began in late January in opposition to the proposed lease of the New [...]
The White House released a statement detailing an understanding between the United States and India regarding trade, tariffs, and energy sourcing. The statement references intended changes to reciprocal tariffs and non-tariff barriers, as well as expanded commercial cooperation. This follows a series of India-related trade actions in 2025 that were [...]
WHAT NEW TARIFF ACTIONS DID THE WHITE HOUSE ANNOUNCE? Recent public remarks attributed to the White House indicate that higher tariffs may be imposed on imports from South Korea and Canada. The remarks suggest a potential increase in existing tariff levels tied to trade compliance considerations and reciprocal tariff treatment. [...]
