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 [...]
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 [...]
