The global freight environment continues to balance trade progress with ongoing capacity management. U.S. policy developments in Asia are reinforcing supply stability, while carriers in key markets are adjusting deployments to match persistent fourth-quarter demand. UNITED STATES AND CHINA REACH TRADE AGREEMENT The United States has announced coordinated actions [...]
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) continues to refine how it examines multi-tier import transactions, with a stronger focus on documentation supporting first sale for export valuation. Importers using first sale to determine declared value should expect closer review of intermediary paperwork and transaction structures. According to trade compliance professionals, [...]
UNITED STATES EXPANDS TRADE FRAMEWORKS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA The United States signed a new set of reciprocal trade frameworks with Viet Nam, Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia. Each pact opens broader access for U.S. goods, simplifies regulations, and builds cooperation in labor, environmental, and digital-trade policy. The agreements also include [...]
WHITE HOUSE FINALIZES SECTION 232 TARIFFS ON TRUCKS AND PARTS The White House confirmed final Section 232 import tariffs on medium- and heavy-duty trucks, vehicle parts, and buses, effective November 1, 2025. The measure establishes duties under the Department of Commerce’s national-security authority and clarifies USMCA treatment, offset provisions, [...]
WHAT ARE THE FINAL SECTION 232 IMPORT TARIFFS ON TRUCKS, PARTS, AND BUSES? The White House has finalized Section 232 import tariffs on medium- and heavy-duty trucks, related vehicle parts, and buses following the Department of Commerce’s investigation into national security risks associated with foreign-sourced manufacturing. The proclamation establishes final [...]
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently released updated guidance following the October 14, 2025, effective date of the Section 301 vessel fees for foreign-built ships. The update clarifies payment procedures, exemptions, and operator responsibilities consistent with the Federal Register notice, “Notice of Action and Proposed Action in Section [...]
U.S. AND CHINA INTRODUCE NEW TRADE MEASURES AND EXPORT CONTROLS The White House announced plans to impose a 100 percent tariff on imports from China beginning November 1, 2025. The announcement follows China’s expansion of export controls on rare earth materials used in manufacturing and technology production. The United [...]
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has finalized key modifications under the Section 301 investigation into China’s targeting of the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. The determination follows the responsive measures initiated on April 17, 2025, and incorporates public feedback received since the June 2025 proposal. [...]
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has activated a new Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) enhancement that automatically rejects manifest filings missing critical shipment details. The update went into effect on September 27, 2025, and applies across all transportation modes. WHY DID CBP MAKE THIS CHANGE? CBP’s new automation is part [...]
USTR SECTION 301 PORT-FEE IMPLEMENTATION PROMPTS FLEET REALIGNMENT The October 14, 2025, implementation of USTR’s Section 301 vessel-fee measure is prompting major carriers to adjust network deployment and reduce exposure to Chinese-built tonnage calling at U.S. ports. The policy introduces phased service fees on Chinese-owned and Chinese-built vessels over [...]
