Global freight conditions in Week 16 reflect a market contending with fuel supply disruptions, mixed trans-Pacific capacity, and ongoing regulatory changes. Tightening conditions persist in inland China and select Vietnam ports while fuel surcharge governance has emerged as a pressing industry concern. Recent White House and U.S. Customs and [...]
The White House issued a new Section 232 proclamation establishing a tariff framework for patented pharmaceuticals and associated ingredients. The action links duty exposure to patent status, country of origin, and company participation in onshoring and pricing agreements. The structure is targeted, conditional, and designed to differentiate between patented [...]
The White House issued a new proclamation modifying existing Section 232 tariff measures on steel, aluminum, and copper. The update expands the scope of derivative products subject to additional duties and changes how those duties are calculated. Effective April 6, 2026, Section 232 tariffs will be assessed on [...]
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided a more detailed view of how the CAPE platform will function in practice in its March 31, 2026 declaration filed with the Court of International Trade. The update does not change the current timing of refunds. It does clarify how Phase 1 will [...]
Transpacific ocean networks are starting to feel the effects of tightening fuel availability across key bunkering hubs. Industry experts note that rising fuel costs are influencing how carriers are managing vessel deployment, particularly on eastbound lanes. Operations remain steady overall, but adjustments like slower sailing speeds and revised fueling [...]
The U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) issued an additional amendment to its ruling on March 27, 2026, expanding the scope of entries subject to reliquidation while continuing to suspend immediate implementation. The update reflects a continued alignment between the court’s directive and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) ongoing [...]
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is refining how metal content should be calculated for Section 232 tariff reporting. In informal notification to carriers, CBP provided guidance explaining that the current interpretation maintains the framework used for steel and aluminum, aligns copper with that methodology. The informal guidelines also introduces [...]
Global freight conditions in Week 13 remained stable across key trade lanes, with targeted capacity pressure emerging in parts of Asia and increased volatility tied to fuel markets. Ocean capacity remained balanced overall, while air cargo conditions were influenced by fuel-driven adjustments and network changes linked to Middle East [...]
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 U.S. Court of International Trade amended its IEEPA tariff refund order on March 20, 2026, expanding the scope while continuing to delay implementation. The Court clarified that the directive now covers all duties imposed under IEEPA, including those applied to imports from Brazil and India. This update expands the [...]
