American companies rushed to import goods from Asia in May, triggering record-setting export figures from Vietnam, Taiwan, and Thailand as they moved to beat a looming deadline for new U.S. tariffs proposed by President Donald Trump. The surge in shipments—driven by fears of steep “reciprocal” tariffs that could take effect in early July—has upended normal […]
Read MoreImport duties imposed by the Trump administration have caused well-documented disruptions to container services, but what is less often reported is the impact these taxes are having on U.S. ports and terminals. In May 2024, the Biden administration imposed a 25% tariff on ship-to-shore (STS) cranes. More recently, former President Trump has floated the idea […]
Read MoreThe World Bank has downgraded growth projections for 70% of global economies, blaming escalating trade tensions and policy uncertainty. JPMorgan Chase warns the U.S. economy is likely to grow at a sluggish pace, while Elon Musk predicts tariffs could spark a recession in the second half of the year. This turbulence raises a central question: […]
Read MoreRising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have triggered renewed warnings for the global shipping industry. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which provides security advisories for commercial vessels, has urged heightened caution for ships navigating the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz. The advisory comes ahead of U.S.-Iran nuclear […]
Read MoreAs of 12:01 a.m. ET on June 4, tariffs on most steel and aluminum imports into the United States have officially doubled—from 25% to 50% ad valorem—following a proclamation issued by President Trump. An exception remains in place for imports from the United Kingdom, which will continue to be subject to the original 25% tariff […]
Read MoreSpot rates on the trans-Pacific trade lane are climbing even faster than during the pandemic-driven spike of spring 2021, fueled by a surge in Asian imports ahead of looming U.S. tariff hikes. This rush, triggered by a temporary pause in tariffs enacted under the Trump administration, has ocean carriers pushing rates aggressively to maximize revenue […]
Read MoreOcean freight rates from Asia to Europe soared ahead of the carriers’ June 1 general rate increases, fueled by growing congestion at major ports and a shift in vessel deployment toward the booming Asia-U.S. trade lane. Severe delays at key port hubs on both ends of the Asia-Europe route are absorbing available capacity. At the […]
Read MoreOn May 28, 2025, the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) issued a significant ruling that blocks the Trump Administration’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs on foreign imports. The decision impacts a broad range of tariffs, including those targeting fentanyl-related imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, as well […]
Read MoreGlobal air cargo demand continued its upward trend in April, driven by seasonal shipments, pre-tariff front-loading, and falling fuel prices. However, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has cautioned that evolving trade dynamics—particularly in the U.S.—may impact demand in the months ahead. According to IATA’s latest Air Cargo Market Analysis, total air cargo demand, measured […]
Read MoreA U.S. trade court has overturned former President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs on global imports, offering some clarity after months of shipping disruptions—but also triggering new concerns for importers. On Wednesday, the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that Trump exceeded his authority by using emergency powers to impose a blanket 10% tariff on most […]
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