Jaguar Freight | The Weekly Roar – The EU’s new trade deal, the first direct transcontinental railroad, the rise in cargo theft, spiking emissions due to the Red Sea crisis, and updating supply chain management curriculum.

First, a tariff update:

The White House issued this fact sheet updating the reciprocal tariff rates for many countries on July 31 (read it here). Noteworthy is the new Aug. 8 start date.

Currently under question is the legality of the reciprocal tariffs with a federal appeals court considering a pivotal case that could significantly undermine President Donald Trump’s global tariff strategy. At the heart of V.O.S. Selections v. Trump is the question of whether Trump unlawfully bypassed Congress by using emergency powers to implement sweeping tariff measures. Arguments were heard on July 31 with no decision given yet.

Many other country-specific announcements and other proclamations have been made over the last week, as well.

• President Trump said in a social media post that his administration has implemented a 25% tariff on products imported into the US from India.
• The European Commission on July 29 released a document, “EU-US trade deal explained.” You can read the document here.
• President Trump signed an Executive Order implementing an additional 40% tariff on Brazilian products, bringing the total tariff amount to 50%. Read the White House Fact Sheet here.
• President Trump issued a Proclamation stating that all imports of semi-finished copper products and intensive copper derivative products will be subject to a 50% tariff, effective Aug. 1. The complete White House Proclamation is available here.
• South Korea has struck a trade deal and will be charged a 15% tariff rate on exports in return for duty-free treatment of American goods, President Donald Trump said. S. Korea will also give the United States $350B for Investments and purchase $100 billion worth of liquefied natural gas or other energy products, Trump said in a social media post.
• President Trump announced that trade talks between the U.S. and Mexico will be extended for 90 days, past the original Aug. 1 deadline for a 30% tariff to take effect. “[W]e are getting to know and understand each other. The complexities of a Deal with Mexico are somewhat different than other Nations because of both the problems, and assets, of the Border. ” President Trump wrote in a social media post.
• An executive order was issued increasing tariffs on Canadian goods to 35% from 25% on all products not covered by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. The complete fact sheet can be read here.
• The U.S. and Cambodia agreed to a trade deal that sets a 19% tariff on Cambodian goods, easing the concerns of a developing country that had been threatened for months with one of the steepest tariffs initially announced by the Trump administration.
• The U.S. announced a tariff rate of 19% for Thailand. The new rate is significantly lower than the 36% level announced in April and better aligned with other countries in the region.

European leaders have had a mixed response to their new EU-U.S. trade agreement. While some officials view the deal as a step forward and one that will avoid high tariffs, others are expressing disappointment over the lack of a comprehensive long-term solution. The agreement currently only extends tariff suspension and establishes a framework for future negotiations, so it’s not like they have banished uncertainty. Additionally, there are concerns about how the agreement will balance climate goals with competitiveness and whether it adequately addresses the interests of all EU member states.

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern announced a deal that would create the first direct transcontinental railroad linking the U.S. East and West coasts. Under the agreement, the plan is to merge certain operations, allowing freight to move seamlessly from ports in California right through to Atlantic destinations without changing trains. The goal is to improve rail efficiency, reduce shipping times, and boost competitiveness against trucking. But the proposed merger is drawing scrutiny from regulators and industry groups that are concerned about reduced competition and potential job cuts. Not to mention labor unions, which are worried about diminished service and higher costs. Despite this, the railroads are arguing that the partnership will benefit both the industry and consumers by streamlining logistics on a national scale.

Cargo theft is out of control, according to new data from Tank Transport. Theft was up by 40% in 2024, and so far in 2025, the numbers indicate another double-digit jump, with California, Texas, and Georgia being the hardest-hit states. Thanks to weaknesses in supply chain security, criminals are targeting high-value goods, such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food products. Methods include identity theft and fictitious pickups. Shippers and logistics providers need to beef up security measures and stay vigilant.

Containership emissions tied to the EU have surged by 45% following recent shipping disruptions in the Red Sea. The diversion of vessels away from the Suez Canal has forced ships to take much longer routes around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, causing a sharp increase in CO₂ emissions since ships are spending more days at sea and using more fuel. Unfortunately, it’s a trend that may undermine the EU’s climate targets and underlines the urgent need for both industry and policymakers to address the environmental impact of ongoing supply chain disruptions.

Universities are revamping their supply chain management programs to better align with the industry’s digital transformation. They’re updating their curriculums to include hands-on training in areas like data analytics, artificial intelligence, and automation, aiming to equip students with skills that are now in high demand. Educators are partnering with companies to offer real-world projects and experiential learning, trying to bridge the gap between academic theory and industry practice. The result is students who are graduating with a stronger grasp of a new digital reality and are better positioned to be competitive.

For the rest of the week’s top shipping news, check out the article highlights here.

Compliments of Jaguar Freight – a member of the EACCNY.