31 May 2024

CBP Suspends Low-Value Shipment Access for Several Customs Brokers

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has suspended access for several customs brokers to the Type 86 program, which facilitates low-value import shipments. This voluntary initiative allows consignees to have their customs brokers provide CBP with data filed through the agency’s automated broker interface (ABI) under the de minimis rule. The de minimis rule […]

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01 Feb 2024

Anticipated Shifts in 2024 US Container Import Patterns Aligning with Key Sourcing

The slight shifts in the percentage of containerized imports from China to the United States align with three major trends acknowledged by both the business and geopolitical communities: China Plus One, incremental gains in friendshoring by volume, and an increased reliance on Vietnam and India. To mitigate their dependence on China, US retailers and other […]

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30 Jan 2024

ONE Design Approval for Ammonia-Powered Container Ship

Ocean Network Express (ONE) has obtained design approval for a revolutionary ammonia-fueled container ship, signaling its commitment to exploring diverse zero-carbon fuels for the maritime industry. The approval, granted by the classification society DSV, pertains to the design of a dual-fuel 3,500-TEU ship capable of being powered by ammonia—a colorless chemical that emits no CO2 […]

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25 Jan 2024

Red Sea Disruption: Rerouted Ships, Tighter Markets, but No Global Chaos

The Red Sea disruption to container shipping remains uncertain in terms of duration, according to Drewry Maritime Research. The anticipation is that carriers might not resume Suez Canal transits until the elimination of the risk of attack, a process expected to take months rather than weeks. Despite this, Drewry’s analysis suggests that the impact on […]

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19 Jan 2024

Port of Long Beach Revs Up for “Year of Rail” in 2024: Modernization, Sustainability in Focus

Long Beach, CA: The Port of Long Beach is chugging into the “Year of Rail” in 2024, with a focus on modernizing facilities, boosting air quality, and ultimately becoming the world’s first zero-emissions seaport. CEO Mario Cordero laid out the ambitious plan in his State of the Port Address, highlighting the Pier B On-Dock Rail […]

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15 Jan 2024

West Coast Ports Prepare for Import Wave Amid Global Turmoil

West Coast ports are bracing for a tidal wave of incoming goods as supply chain woes and international tension collide. This perfect storm stems from several factors: Inventory restocking: Retailers are replenishing shelves after periods of low stock, driving up import demand. Homecoming cargo: Goods that shifted to other ports during last year’s labor talks are returning to […]

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09 Jan 2024

Red Sea on Fire: Houthi Attacks Threaten Global Shipping

The Red Sea, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, faces unprecedented risks as Houthi rebels launch escalating attacks on commercial vessels. Houthi Motives and the Murky Web of Attacks: The Houthis, backed by Iran, claim their strikes target vessels with Israeli ties. However, experts highlight the indiscriminate nature of attacks, raising concerns about wider […]

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08 Jan 2024

Trade policy tango continues! USTR extends Section 301

On December 26, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) made an important announcement regarding the extension of active Section 301 China product exclusions. Originally slated to conclude on December 31, 2023, the 429 exclusions are now set to endure until May 31, 2024, as outlined in a comprehensive report by the RV […]

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05 Jan 2024

US Mortgage Rates Fall for Ninth Straight Week, Offering Relief in Hot Market

Good news for homebuyers! Mortgage rates have dropped for the ninth consecutive week, providing a glimmer of hope in a housing market that has been tough on wallets since the 1980s. After dipping below 7% for the first time since August in early December, rates continued their downward slide. The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage now […]

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