Despite fears of a tsunami of containers hitting the Port of Los Angeles, its executive director is downplaying them. Admitting to a likely increase during the temporary 90-day pause in U.S.-China tariffs, he anticipates volumes will remain below the pandemic peak, partly because elevated freight rates could keep importers cautious. April saw a 9.5% year-over-year rise in throughput, but early May imports dropped 30% due to tariff uncertainties. Additionally, he expects a brief period of 70–80% of normal volume during the...

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By Noa Sussman, Director of Global Solutions, TECEX In today’s increasingly fragmented and protectionist global economy, few areas are more misunderstood — yet more impactful — than trade taxes. Terms like VAT, duties, tariffs, and more recently, duty drawbacks, are often lumped together or misused entirely, even in strategic discussions. But make no mistake: these taxes are no longer just regulatory details relegated to customs departments or accounting teams. They have become strategic levers, influencing sourcing decisions, pricing models, and executive-level trade...

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While tariff policy changes present challenges, they also offer opportunities for strategic acquisitions and operational improvements. Changing tariffs are dramatically reshaping mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and private equity (PE) transactions. As companies and investors strategize their growth and exit plans, understanding the interplay between international trade policy and deal dynamics is critical. The uncertainty surrounding tariffs is leading to a more cautious approach in mergers and acquisitions. Deals are taking longer to close, with extended due diligence periods and more stringent conditions....

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