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, and Foreign Trade Zone requirements. Importers and manufacturers should review classifications and prepare documentation in advance of implementation.
CBP ISSUES UPDATED GUIDANCE ON SECTION 301 VESSEL FEES
U.S. Customs and Border Protection released implementation guidance for the Section 301 vessel fees that took effect October 14, 2025. The update details payment procedures, operator responsibilities, and verification requirements for Chinese-owned and foreign-built vessels under Annexes I–III. Operators must ensure payment confirmation before vessel arrival to avoid clearance delays.
TRANS-PACIFIC CAPACITY ADJUSTMENTS AS FRONTLOADING COOLS
Importers accelerated shipments ahead of the November 1, 2025, tariff deadline, tightening short-term capacity that is now easing as frontloading activity subsides. Carriers increased blank sailings following Golden Week and adjusted port rotations to protect schedule reliability and equipment availability. THE Alliance suspended its PS5 service, and TS Lines is exiting its joint Long Beach service with SEALEAD and KMTC. Some U.S.-flag vessels on TP7 and WC5 routes are skipping Ningbo to avoid China’s retaliatory port fees, using South Korean shuttle calls for transshipment. Analysts expect declining Trans-Pacific volume through year-end as consumer demand softens.
AIR CARGO DEMAND REMAINS ELEVATED FROM CHINA AND SOUTHEAST ASIA
Airfreight activity remains strong as shippers prioritize urgent goods ahead of tariff deadlines and mitigate ocean-network disruption. High-tech, automotive, and e-commerce shipments continue driving demand. Charter inquiries and utilization are up across China and Southeast Asia, though a gradual moderation is expected once holiday peaks and ocean schedules stabilize.
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