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 [...]
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 [...]
Week 28 finds U.S. importers navigating new compliance deadlines, an extended pause on reciprocal tariffs, and tightening Transpacific capacity as blank sailings reduce vessel space. U.S. TRADE POLICY & COMPLIANCE UPDATES A July 7, 2025, executive order keeps the 10% duty for Annex 1 partners in place until 12:01 [...]
Week 27 finds U.S. ports preparing for a surge in Chinese imports, New York congestion returning to normal levels, and labor shortages slowing the Manzanillo terminals. DHL Express Canada services have resumed as [...]
Week 26 finds the industry managing reinstated terminal fees at the Port of Houston, cooling trans-Pacific demand, and cross-border parcel disruptions due to labor actions in Canada. U.S. PORT HOUSTON REEFER DWELL FEES [...]
Week 25 finds the freight industry navigating European maintenance delays and capacity shifts across Pacific trade lanes amid ongoing regulatory changes. Importers are recalibrating cargo timing and exploring alternate sourcing to stay ahead of the latest trade [...]
The global freight market enters Week 24 under intensifying pressure from regulatory enforcement, terminal congestion, and inland chassis repositioning. Ripple effects are emerging across trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific lanes. CBP ENFORCEMENT BEGINS FOR EXPANDED SECTION 232 TARIFFS ON STEEL, ALUMINUM, AND COMPOSITES As of June 4, 2025, U.S. Customs and [...]
Week 23 finds the global freight market navigating sustained trans-Pacific demand, persistent port congestion, and policy shifts with trade compliance implications. SECTION 232 TARIFF EXPANSION TAKES EFFECT JUNE 4, 2025 Section 232 tariffs on most imported steel and aluminum will rise from 25% to 50% [...]
