Week 18 brings trade policy adjustments and infrastructure disruptions influencing regional cargo movement and response times. U.S. tariff revisions, Iberian Peninsula power outages, and holiday closures in Asia are shaping near-term planning.
U.S. TRADE POLICY REVISES TARIFF PROCESSES FOR NORTH AMERICAN IMPORTS
A new Executive Order issued April 29, 2025, revises how overlapping U.S. tariffs apply to certain imports from Canada and Mexico. The policy, retroactive to March 4, 2025, removes duplicate duties on autos, auto parts, aluminum, and steel when multiple national security or emergency-based tariff programs apply. Refunds will be processed under standard CBP procedures, with HTSUS updates expected by May 16.
Separately, the White House also amended Proclamation 10908 to allow tariff offsets for automakers that assemble vehicles in the U.S. Manufacturers may apply for relief based on the value of vehicles built domestically, with offset rates tied to final assembly volume. Applications are due within 30 days of the order, and offsets are capped to each manufacturer’s parts tariff liability.
PORT OPERATIONS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL RESUME AFTER BLACKOUT
Power is restored across most of the Iberian Peninsula following a major outage on Monday. The blackout shut down container terminals, customs processing, and passenger services at several ports. The Port of Barcelona resumed operations quickly, reporting no major damage. In southern Spain, terminals and border systems were back online Tuesday morning after a full-day shutdown. Ferries to North Africa are running again, though some sailings remain canceled due to weather. Ports activated contingency plans to protect sensitive cargo, including refrigerated containers. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the outage, which also impacted airports, trains, and businesses across both countries.
CHINA’S LABOR DAY HOLIDAY MAY SLOW RESPONSE TIMES
China’s national holiday runs from May 1 through May 5, 2025. Most businesses and government offices will close or operate on reduced hours, potentially delaying booking confirmations and carrier responses until May 6.
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