In Week 35, importers are seeing mixed signals. Space on key transpacific lanes is tightening just as Golden Week preparations ramp up, while congestion at several Asian ports is slowing vessel operations. A new 25% duty on Indian products is now in force adds another layer of compliance to [...]
In Week 34, U.S. importers face tightening transpacific capacity alongside new compliance requirements as Section 232 steel and aluminum derivative expansions take effect. WHY IS TRANSPACIFIC CAPACITY EXPECTED TO TIGHTEN IN SEPTEMBER? The 90-day extension of the U.S.–China tariff suspension, now in place through November 10, has provided near-term [...]
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued guidance detailing how importers must file entries for the newly added steel and aluminum derivative products subject to Section 232 duties. This follows the Bureau of Industry and Security’s expansion of covered Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) codes effective August [...]
WHEN DOES CBP ACCEPT FIRST SALE VALUATION? In a recently published ruling, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) evaluated whether an importer could use the “first sale” method of appraisement. This method allows duties to be calculated based on the price paid by an intermediary to the manufacturer, rather than [...]
WHAT CHANGE DID THE U.S. CENSUS BUREAU MAKE TO THE FOREIGN TRADE REGULATIONS? The U.S. Census Bureau (USCB) recently issued a final rule, effective September 15, 2025, amending the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) to clarify U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI) responsibilities for certain in-transit shipments. The revisions address goods [...]
Week 33 finds U.S. importers adjusting to shifting trade policies as transpacific volumes remain sluggish and severe weather adds to congestions at key Chinese ports. IS PEAK SHIPPING SEASON ON THE HORIZON? Transpacific volumes are not improving in August, with carriers and cargo owners alike reporting no clear sign [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
