Tariffs remain the most important story in supply chain. Last week was full of changes and new announcements – click here for an update by Jaguar Freight. Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings recently announced its intent to sell a 90% stake in the Panama Ports Company, raising concerns about escalating US pressure on Chinese investments. The US has been actively working to limit China’s global influence, such as its Belt and Road Initiative and its control over critical assets like the Panama Canal. The...

According to US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico will happen as planned, starting at 12:01 am Tuesday and that the exact details of the tariffs will depend on negotiations. After a 30-day delay from the tariffs’ original start date, US President Trump recently restated his intent to impose 25% tariffs - which are a tax on imports - on its two neighboring countries as a response to what he says is an unacceptable flow...

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has another proposal—impose port fees of up to $1.5 million on Chinese-built and operated vessels entering American ports. These fees, which could be considered as another form of tariffs, would aim to counteract China’s dominance in shipbuilding. However, it could also significantly increase costs for shipping companies utilizing Chinese-built ships, potentially disrupting global supply chains. The proposal also includes incentives for U.S.-built vessels and mandates for a portion of U.S. exports to be transported on...

In line with the President’s America First Trade Policy Memorandum and the Presidential Memorandum on Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) is now inviting public comments regarding unfair trade practices and non-reciprocal trade arrangements on a country-by-country basis. The information provided will be used by the USTR in its report to the President, which is due on April 1, and will also inform future actions to address any harm to the United...

Well, that was unexpected. With some 3 million 20-foot-equivalent units (TEU) in new capacity poised to come online in 2024, after 3 years of controlled capital spending, carriers went into the year anticipating a reversion to the chronic overcapacity that has long weighed on the industry’s profitability. But market fundamentals changed drastically in November 2023, when Houthi rebels in Yemen launched a campaign of attacks on Red Sea shipping. Virtually overnight, 7-8% of global capacity was diverted as Red Sea...

US importers are getting a reprieve from tariffs with major trade partners, but the looming threat of more tariffs has shippers biding time by continuing to frontload. A surge in imports is keeping trans-Pacific container rates high despite the usual seasonal slowdown. The increased demand for shipping capacity is impacting market rates and logistics planning. Carriers are benefiting from stronger than expected volumes, while shippers try to deal with cost fluctuations and disruptions. The general uncertainty around future tariffs has...