U.S. importers are still waiting to see the full economic impact of elevated tariff levels, but signs point to potential headwinds for growth in the coming months, according to recent remarks from a senior Federal Reserve official. Speaking at the Virginia Maritime Association’s International Trade Symposium, the Richmond Federal Reserve highlighted that, while tariffs have […]
A landmark proposal to implement a global emissions charge on shipping has been postponed for at least one year after opposition led by the United States and several major maritime nations. The decision, made at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters in London on October 17, delays what would have been the first worldwide carbon […]
The U.S. administration has formally approved new tariffs targeting imported medium- and heavy-duty trucks, bus components, and related parts, as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. Under the new directive, imports of trucks and parts will face a 25% tariff, while imported buses will be […]
A major pharmaceutical manufacturer has reached an agreement with the U.S. administration to delay the implementation of Section 232 tariffs for three years, according to an official statement released on October 10. The deal, coordinated with the Department of Commerce, is designed to support the dual goals of strengthening domestic manufacturing and lowering the cost […]
As artificial intelligence continues to transform global trade operations, experts agree that technology will not replace the human role in compliance — but rather redefine it. Across the logistics and customs sector, companies are rapidly integrating AI tools to improve accuracy, speed, and decision-making. Yet, many compliance leaders emphasize that automation cannot replicate human judgment, […]
A coalition of seafood importers and trade associations has filed suit against the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) over its decision to ban imports from 240 foreign fisheries across 46 nations starting January 1, 2026, arguing the agency exceeded its legal authority under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The National Fisheries Institute, the Restaurant […]
President Donald Trump appeared to soften his stance on imposing a new round of 100% tariffs on Chinese goods, signaling room for negotiation as tensions rise over China’s new export controls on rare earth materials. Speaking to reporters en route to Israel, Trump said, “Right now it is [the plan]. Let’s see what happens. November […]
China has announced retaliatory port fees on U.S. ships, escalating trade tensions as both nations prepare for key economic talks later this month. The Ministry of Transportation confirmed that the new tonnage fees will take effect on October 14, mirroring the tariffs set by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) under Section 301 of the Trade […]
After years of volatility—from tariff changes and labor strikes to pandemic-era port congestion—many U.S. companies made the same defensive move: stockpile everything. The shift from “just-in-time” to “just-in-case” inventory strategies provided a temporary safety net, but it also clogged warehouses and tied up billions in working capital. Now, as supply chain conditions stabilize, business leaders […]
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has sharply increased tariffs on Chinese-made container cranes, deepening the ongoing trade rift between Washington and Beijing. The move, announced late Friday, follows China’s recent export restrictions on rare earth minerals and marks a new escalation in the maritime trade sector. Effective Nov. 9, ship-to-shore cranes produced in China […]
