In recent months, we have seen a surge of inquiries from importers whose overseas suppliers are introducing the term “mDDP” (modified Delivered Duty Paid) or shifting to “DDP”-type delivery structures. At first glance, these offers seem appealing: duties, taxes, and logistics costs are bundled into one attractive landed price. Yet beneath that simplicity may lie […]
Read MoreThe White House announced on October 26, 2025, that the United States has finalized reciprocal trade agreements with Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, marking a significant step in expanding market access for U.S. exporters across Southeast Asia. Under these new pacts, each partner nation will eliminate or reduce tariffs on U.S. agricultural and industrial products, […]
Read MoreOn September 29, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation announcing the implementation of Section 232 tariffs on lumber, kitchen cabinets, vanities, and other wood products. The tariffs will take effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on October 14, 2025. Tariff Details and Duty Rates The proclamation sets new global tariff rates on wood imports: 10% global […]
Read MoreThe latest US-India tariffs are weighing heavily on global air cargo flows. Recent figures show that airfreight volumes from India to the US have dropped sharply, following Washington’s decision to impose tariffs of up to 50% on Indian imports. Air Cargo Volumes Plunge According to data provider WorldACD, air cargo volumes from India to the […]
Read MoreOn September 4, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order (EO) enacting a newly negotiated U.S.-Japan trade deal. The agreement introduces tariffs on Japanese imports, with broad implications for both countries’ economies. U.S.-Japan Tariff Agreement Highlights Baseline Tariff on Japanese Imports The EO sets a baseline 15% tariff on nearly all Japanese imports. Products […]
Read MoreBeginning October 14, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will introduce a new fee structure on vessels linked to China, including ships that are Chinese-owned, operated, or built. The initiative, coordinated with the U.S. Trade Representative, is designed to reduce reliance on Chinese-built vessels, strengthen U.S. port security, and promote domestic shipbuilding. Under the […]
Read MoreThe imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian exports to the US is already disrupting container shipping on the India–US East Coast (USEC) route. With cargo demand weakening, carriers are cutting back sailings and rethinking their deployment strategies to balance supply with shrinking exports. Local forwarders report at least three blank sailings scheduled from West India […]
Read MoreMajor carriers including Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk, and Zim are slashing costs as freight rates continue to decline across global trade lanes. Executives warn that expenses such as shipbuilding, chartering, fuel, and port labor have risen sharply since the pandemic, pushing unit costs well above 2019 levels. Zim highlighted higher fuel costs, port congestion, and increased dockworker […]
Read MoreLimited feeder vessel capacity between Asia’s secondary ports and major transshipment hubs is creating significant disruptions for both Asian exports and inbound shipments from the US and Europe, according to forwarders and carriers. Shippers in Thailand and Indonesia are waiting up to a month to secure space, leading to widespread transshipment delays, rolled cargo, and […]
Read MoreIn a significant development for transatlantic commerce, the United States and the European Union have announced a new Framework on an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade. This agreement marks a pivotal first step towards reducing trade barriers, enhancing market access, and strengthening the economic relationship between two of the world’s largest markets. For […]
Read More