16 Apr 2025

China Trade Tensions Threaten US Defense Firms’ Rare Earth Supply, Analysts Warn

America’s advanced weapons manufacturers are facing a looming shortage of critical rare-earth minerals, largely due to new export licensing restrictions imposed by China. The move, a response to rising trade tensions under former President Donald Trump’s administration, threatens to disrupt supply chains essential to the U.S. defense and aerospace sectors. According to the Center for […]

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15 Apr 2025

Tariffs Trigger Global Supply Chain Shake-Up as Costs Soar, Experts Warn

Businesses are being advised to reassess their procurement and supply chain strategies as the effects of U.S. tariffs ripple across global trade, driving up shipping costs and prices on a wide array of goods. The sweeping tariff measures imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, along with retaliatory actions from major trade partners, have thrown supply […]

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14 Apr 2025

More Than Just Tariffs: Identifying the Deeper Cracks in the Global System

Ray Dalio in Principles argues that while current events like tariffs grab headlines and have significant impacts, they are merely symptoms of much larger, more fundamental shifts underway. Focusing solely on these immediate events, attributed often to specific political figures like President Trump, distracts from the underlying breakdown of the major monetary/economic, domestic political, and […]

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14 Apr 2025

Tariffs Trigger Chaos as Carriers Slash Sailings

Ocean carriers operating on the eastbound trans-Pacific trade are preparing to cancel more sailings following a surge in booking cancellations last week. The uncertainty surrounding steep U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods is prompting shippers to pause or abandon freight plans, potentially leaving vessels departing China half-empty well into May. Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the […]

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13 Apr 2025

Global Shipping Industry Gripped by Uncertainty as U.S.-China Trade War Escalates

The global maritime sector is navigating turbulent waters as the U.S.-China trade war continues to fuel widespread uncertainty. Industry leaders say the constantly evolving tariff landscape has made long-term planning nearly impossible. Jacob Winthereik, interim CEO of Lauritzen Bulkers, noted that with new tariffs being introduced or modified almost weekly, the industry sees no signs […]

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11 Apr 2025

Impact of Executive Order: “Modifying Reciprocal Tariff Rates to Reflect Trading Partner Retaliation and Alignment”

Overview of Tariff Adjustments Effective immediately, the Executive Order introduces revised reciprocal tariff rates to align with global trade dynamics and address retaliatory measures by trading partners. These changes aim to promote fair trade practices while supporting domestic industries. Updated Tariff Structure Products Originating from China, Hong Kong, or Macau Applicable tariffs include: Commodity-specific Most-Favored-Nation […]

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28 Mar 2025

SoCal Ports Overflowing: Import Surge Triggers Empty Container Crisis

A quick update on the current logistics landscape in Southern California and what shippers can do to mitigate potential disruptions: Import Surge and Empty Container Imbalance January saw a sharp increase in imports as shippers rushed to beat anticipated U.S. tariffs and Lunar New Year factory closures. Year-over-year import growth: Port of Long Beach: up […]

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