03 May 2025

Global Shipping Shake-Up: Tariffs, Blank Sailings, and the Battle for Capacity

The suspension of China–U.S. shipments and a wave of blank sailings on the trans-Pacific trade lane may lead to a significant redistribution of vessel capacity, according to Alexandra Ilascu of Kuehne + Nagel. Speaking during the Journal of Commerce’s Asia-Europe webinar, Ilascu warned that these shifts are likely to impact other trade routes, including Asia-Europe […]

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28 Apr 2025

China-to-US Air Cargo Faces Further Cuts as Demand Shifts to Southeast Asia

Several major Chinese airlines are reportedly considering the cancellation of their services to the United States, though no final decisions have been made, according to logistics provider Dimerco. “If these cancellations proceed, the already tight air cargo capacity from China to the US will shrink even further,” the company warned. Kathy Liu, vice president of […]

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23 Apr 2025

Full Steam Ahead or Dead in the Water?

A renewed push to revive US commercial shipbuilding is stirring debate, following the Biden administration’s decision—carried over from a Trump-era stance—to levy steep fines on Chinese-built and Chinese-owned vessels. Announced on April 17 by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), the policy aims to send a “demand signal for US-built ships,” according […]

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22 Apr 2025

Trade Tensions Stitch Trouble for US Apparel Imports

A recent report from consultancy firm Trade Partnership Worldwide has raised concerns over the potential impact of heightened tariffs and port fees on the US apparel trade. If current tariff hikes become permanent and additional fees on Chinese vessels are enforced, the US could see a noticeable decline in clothing imports, the study warns. While […]

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21 Apr 2025

USTR Finalizes Section 301 Actions on China Shipbuilding

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has announced its final actions regarding the Section 301 investigation into China’s shipbuilding industry, introducing significant changes from the initial proposals. Key Changes and Fee Structure: Revised Fees: Instead of a flat fee, new fees will be based on vessel net tonnage (NT) or container count and will apply per […]

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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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27 Mar 2025

25% Tariffs on Autos, Light Trucks, and Auto Parts Effective April 3 or May 3

Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A. (ST&R) reports that on March 26, the President issued a proclamation imposing 25% tariffs on imported cars, light trucks, and specific vehicle parts under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, citing national security concerns. These tariffs are based on a 2019 investigation and newly submitted information from […]

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11 Mar 2025

China-US Air Freight Rates Plunge as Trade Tensions Disrupt E-Commerce

Air freight rates from China to the US have plummeted since Lunar New Year, driven by the typical post-holiday slowdown and uncertainty over new US trade restrictions on low-value imports under the “de minimis” threshold. Though the sharp decline in spot prices has stabilized in March, average rates from Shanghai to the US were down […]

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