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 [...]
RECIPROCAL TRADE AGREEMENTS WITH INDONESIA, JAPAN, AND PHILIPPINES ADVANCE U.S. EXPORT ACCESS The White House has confirmed three new reciprocal trade arrangements designed to expand U.S. export opportunities and address longstanding tariff imbalances with key Indo-Pacific partners. A formal framework has been released for an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with [...]
Starting October 1, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will increase a wide range of customs user fees in line with inflation. These changes affect nearly every type of entry and conveyance, including ocean, air, rail, and truck shipments, as well as broker permits, express consignment facilities, and [...]
NMFC 2025-1 IMPLEMENTATION BRINGS CHANGES TO LTL FREIGHT CLASSIFICATION On July 19, 2025, the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) enacted NMFC Docket 2025-1, introducing some of the most significant overhauls to less-than-truckload (LTL) freight classification in nearly a century. These changes are part of ongoing work to modernize [...]
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently announced a series of America First actions to address unresolved operational barriers impacting U.S. air carriers serving Mexico. These actions seek to align with the bilateral 2015 U.S.-Mexico Air Transport Agreement following ongoing slot reductions and cargo restrictions a Benito Juarez International Airport [...]
Week 30 finds U.S. importers and port operators transitioning from July's peak arrival volumes into a more cautious 3rd Quarter outlook as Transpacific volumes continue to decline ahead of U.S. August tariff deadlines. CHINA DEMAND DECLINES AS IMPORTERS DIVERSIFY SOURCING U.S. import volumes from China began declining sharply following a [...]
U.S. tariff and trade policy continues to evolve as the White House addresses trade deficits and national security concerns with trade partners. PHARMACEUTICAL AND SEMICONDUCTOR SECTION 232 TARIFF TIMELINE Section 232 tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals will commence at the end of July with a nominal duty rate. U.S. production facilities [...]
Week 29 finds U.S. importers navigating July peak volumes, looming tariff deadlines, and tightening Transpacific capacity as blank sailings reduce vessel space. JULY IMPORT VOLUMES & DEMAND OUTLOOK U.S. imports arriving in July are expected to reach their highest level in 18 months as retailers accelerate stocking ahead of impending [...]
In two nearly identical letters dated July 11, 2025, President Donald J. Trump informed Mexico’s President‑elect Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that, effective August 1, 2025, the United States will impose a 30 percent tariff on “all” Mexican‑ and EU‑origin products entering the country citing the measure as a response to national‑security concerns and long‑standing trade imbalances. ADDITIONAL 30% TARIFF FOR MEXICO AND EUROPEAN UNION Universal [...]
