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Bannockburn Capital Markets | October 2025 Monthly

October brings a convergence of pivotal events on both the economic and geopolitical fronts, shaping a volatile global outlook. From looming tariff battles in Washington and monetary policy decisions in Frankfurt to military posturing in Eastern Europe and high-level political signaling in Beijing, this month may set the tone for the final stretch of 2025 and beyond. At the same time, in a repeat of a unique and macabre political dynamic, the risk of a partial US federal government closure...

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Jaguar Freight | The Weekly Roar – Carriers absorbing port surcharges, the challenges of reshoring, more insights on the use of AI in the industry, European struggles, and the new Federal Maritime Commission Act of 2025

Maersk, the world’s second-largest container line, announced that it will not impose a surcharge on shippers when new U.S. port fees on China-built and operated vessels take effect on October 14. Hapag-Lloyd, CMA CGM, and Evergreen have also stated they’re forgoing surcharges, which may set a trend for other carriers. In the short term, it appears that port fees may not be passed on to importers. Meanwhile, Seaspan plans to relocate from Hong Kong to Singapore and reflag 100 vessels amid ongoing industry...

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Troutman Pepper Locke | AI’s Impact on Patent Examination: A Forward-Looking Perspective

By: John A. Morrissett, Scott Bergeson, Aaron E. Johnston, TROUTMAN PEPPER LOCKE Faster office actions, improved prior art searches, and a more consistent application of the law — these will be hallmarks of the future of patent examination at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) due to increased use of artificial intelligence (AI). Applicants and patent practitioners are faced with an unprecedented challenge that could significantly change prosecution strategy in the future. While currently aimed at augmenting the tools available to...

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Panitch Schwarze | The Secret to Strong AI Patents

By: Charles F. Wieland Patenting AI innovations is more than filing early, broadly and often—it’s about drafting in a way that ensures both eligibility and durability. The strongest applications highlight technical improvements such as faster training, energy efficiency, or novel data structures, tie to solving technical problems, rather than framing the invention as an abstract algorithm. A layered claim strategy is critical given the uncertainty as to which approach will succeed. By combining system claims, method claims, and computer-readable medium claims, applicants create multiple paths...

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Vulcan View: The latest EU developments 22 September – 26 September

EU and Indonesia seal negotiations on free trade agreement On Tuesday, 23 September, the EU and Indonesia officialy finalised a landmark trade deal, bringing years of negotiations to an end. Following a political agreement reached in July, EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič was in Indonesia on Tuesday to mark the conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The landmark pact is designed to slash tariffs, open up one of the world’s fastest-growing economies to European firms, and secure vital raw...

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Member News, Trade & TTIP Related

Transatlantic Trade Monitor: Facts You Need Now | Trade Update – What You Need to Know About Transshipment

Transshipment has fast become the second most important word in trade, after tariff. The reason is that the U.S. government is intensifying its oversight of importers suspected of using transshipment through third countries to evade duties on Chinese goods. And the risks and costs of violating the rules can be severe. This increased scrutiny comes as shifting trade flows highlight how exporters are adjusting to the new tariff environment. In August, China’s exports to the U.S. fell 33% year-over-year, while shipments...

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Barnes & Thornburg | Department of Homeland Security Proposes Changes to H-1B Lottery Selection Process

By: Sarah J. Hawk, Rebecca J. Bernhard, Tejas Shah, Barnes and Thornburg Highlights • The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed a new rule that would affect the H-1B visa selection process. • The rule remains a proposal and is open for public comments for the next 30 days. • This proposed rule, if implemented, marks a third major shift to the H-1B lottery in the last decade. • Legal challenges to a final rule, if implemented, are possible. On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the DHS proposed a rule that,...

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Transatlantic Trade Monitor: Facts You Need Now | The Impact of Trump’s Tariffs: A Comprehensive Analysis

By: Mike Smith, Principal, CliftonLarsonAllen Key insights • President Donald Trump's tariffs are reshaping international trade dynamics and additional changes could be forthcoming. • Learn about the potential wide-ranging economic impact on key industries and how it could affect your business and operations. • This is an evolving situation that continues to change. Tariffs have been and continue to be a hot topic. As the tariff landscape continues to evolve, it can bring a level of uncertainty for many businesses across industries. As we continue...

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Trepp | CMBS Special Servicing Report August 2025: Overall Rate Retreats for the Second Consecutive Month

The Trepp CMBS Special Servicing rate receded moderately in August, falling another 19 basis points to 10.29%. This was the second consecutive monthly decrease, after the rate peaked at an all-time high in June. The main cause for the decrease in the headline rate was the overall balance of loans outstanding falling nearly $14 billion from $597.0 billion to $583.0 billion from July to August. When analyzing by property type, three sectors experienced substantial shifts in their respective rates. The two...

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Member News, Trade & TTIP Related

Jaguar Freight | Trade Update: What you need to know about transshipment

Transshipment has fast become the second most important word in trade, after tariff. The reason is that the U.S. government is intensifying its oversight of importers suspected of using transshipment through third countries to evade duties on Chinese goods. And the risks and costs of violating the rules can be severe. This increased scrutiny comes as shifting trade flows highlight how exporters are adjusting to the new tariff environment. In August, China’s exports to the U.S. fell 33% year-over-year, while shipments...

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