Week 32 finds U.S. importers still facing a slow peak season as Transpacific volumes hold steady at subdued levels and carriers keep capacity tight WHERE IS CAPACITY UTILIZATION HEADING? Transpacific service utilization has slipped into the mid-80 percent range - the lowest since spring. Carriers have countered with blank [...]
On August 6, 2025, the White House signed an Executive Order under IEEPA and the National Emergencies Act to address the ongoing national emergency related to the Russian Federation's actions in Ukraine. The order imposes an additional 25% ad valorem duty on articles of Indian origin that are directly or [...]
CBP RULES THAT TRANSACTION VALUE BASED ON BONA FIDE SALES In a recent Headquarters Ruling Letter, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) clarified the evidentiary requirements for establishing a bona fide sale and, thus, transaction value, for imports involving non-resident importers and contract manufacturers. The decision suggests CBP takes a [...]
On July 31, 2025, the President issued an Executive Order raising additional ad valorem duties on specified Canadian products from 25% to 35%. Effective at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on August 1, 2025, this adjustment aims to reinforce national security and compel more robust cooperative enforcement against illicit drug [...]
On July 31, 2025, the White House issued Executive Order 14298 to address persistent trade imbalances that pose national security and economic risks. Building on Executive Order 14257 of April 2, 2025, this action reflects updated recommendations from senior officials regarding non-reciprocal tariff rates, non-tariff barriers, and the defense [...]
On July 30, 2025, the White House issued an Executive Order under IEEPA and the National Emergencies Act to impose an additional 40% ad valorem duty on imports from Brazil. This measure is in addition to existing Section 232 tariffs, raising the total duties on many Brazilian imports to 50%. [...]
WHEN WILL THE SUSPENSION TAKE EFFECT AND WHAT GOODS ARE COVERED? An executive order issued July 30, 2025, announces the effective date beginning at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on August 29, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will suspend the de minimis exemption under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(C). All non‑postal shipments regardless of value, [...]
Earlier today, the White House issued a proclamation Adjusting Imports of Copper into the United States citing the metal's importance to national security and economic reliance on the material weeks after announcing a 50% tariff on imported copper via social media. WHAT LED TO THE SECTION 232 INVESTIGATION INTO COPPER AND [...]
Week 31 finds U.S. importers navigate a sluggish start to peak season as Transpacific volumes remain flat and capacity reductions extend into August. CHINA VOLUMES REMAIN SUBDUED AS TARIFF TALKS CONTINUE China-origin demand continues its downward trend following the Q2 front-loading surge. The 90-day extension of U.S.-China tariff negotiations [...]
COOPERATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN U.S. AND EU FOR RECIPROCAL, FAIR, AND BALANCED TRADE The White House announced a trade arrangement with the European Union (EU). It aims to update transatlantic economic ties, expand market access, and establish reciprocal tariffs and investments. The agreement introduces a 15% reciprocal tariff on qualifying EU-origin [...]
