Mexico Implements Tariff Increases and Revises IMMEX Program, Impacting U.S. Apparel Imports
On December 20, 2024, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum enacted a decree introducing measures aimed at safeguarding Mexico’s textile and apparel sectors while addressing compliance issues related to the country’s IMMEX program. This shift in Mexico’s trade and manufacturing policies will lead to higher import costs for several goods and may require adjustments from importers, especially […]
Read MoreEast Coast Port Strike Begins, Sparking Fears of Shortages and Price Increases
As of 12:01 A.M., October 1st, 2024, the long-anticipated strike by the ILA (the International Longshoremen’s Association) has officially begun, leading to a complete shutdown of all U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports until further notice. This development means that no cargo can move in or out of these ports. Our sources indicate that the […]
Read MoreNavigating Container Shortages in 2024: Implications for North American Intermodal
The global supply chain is facing an unexpected challenge in 2024: a shortage of containers. Despite the significant capacity added by ocean carriers, recent reports and spot prices indicate that container scarcity is a reality. But what does this mean for North American intermodal transportation, and could it lead to a repeat of the chaos […]
Read MoreChina’s Trade Surplus: Undervalued Yuan or Something Else?
The debate over China’s manufacturing overcapacity has ignited intense discussions among policymakers. During her trip to China in April, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen raised concerns about the impact of “artificially cheap Chinese products flooding the global market,” questioning the sustainability of foreign firms, echoing similar concerns from a decade ago. Yellen’s observation holds […]
Read MoreAnticipated 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 […]
Read MoreONE 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 […]
Read MoreRed 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 […]
Read MorePeak season frenzy, Suez squeeze: A perfect storm for Trans-Pacific cargo prices.
The spot rates for shipping goods from Asia to the US have risen sharply this week, as carriers applied the planned GRIs on Jan. 15 and added a PSS for both the West and East coast deliveries. Moreover, importers who send their cargo to the East Coast through the Panama or Suez canals, or […]
Read MoreWest 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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