Donald Trump’s reelection as president of the United States raises considerations for both U.S. and non-U.S. companies importing goods into the country. Specifically, given Trump’s plan to impose “universal baseline tariffs on most foreign products” to “reward domestic production while taxing foreign companies,” what tariffs will be imposed, and what can importers do to protect themselves from the increased financial burden tariffs create? After Trump takes office on Jan. 20, 2025, supply chains most likely will be more expensive, with any...

Canada’s Labour Minister has intervened after talks broke off between the B.C. Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 514, prompting strike action. Ports have been closed in Vancouver and Montreal, raising economic concerns. Both ports have been ordered to resume operations, but the ILWU Local 514 plans to challenge the decision. The January 15 deadline for the ILA and U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports to negotiate a new contract may be in jeopardy. The sides...

Voters in the U.S. have spoken, and Donald Trump will soon be President again. Much of the pre-election discourse was related to contrasting trade policies between the candidates, many of which will have a large impact on supply chains. Expectations for a second Trump Administration include the likelihood of more protectionist trade policies, more reliance on public/ private partnerships to support infrastructure investments, less regulation, and a different view on labor relations. And, in light of ongoing issues around automation...

New data from a UN trade and development body highlights the impact of the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. By breaking down the metrics affecting rising shipping costs, we gain some insight into just how much can be attributed to the Houthi campaign. At a percentage change of just over 160% in costs between October 2023 and June 2024, about 140% can be blamed on the Red Sea crisis. Unfortunately, this is a problem that persists with no imminent...

Will the upcoming U.S. elections disrupt supply chains? Potentially. A few concerns include growing geopolitical uncertainty, strikes, and fluctuating consumer behavior. A new administration could also introduce regulations around sustainability, trade, and manufacturing, all of which would require businesses to adapt quickly. Some experts feel technologies like AI and supply chain collaboration can help companies stay agile and resilient. Another way to mitigate risk might be to diversify suppliers in readiness for any potential policy changes or trade restrictions. A new...

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) is preparing to finalize its contract demands and potentially strike on October 1st if an agreement with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) is not reached. They’re seeking significant wage increases, citing record profits by companies, and opposing the use of automated systems in ports. They haven’t returned to the bargaining table, instead, they’ve officially notified employers of the contract’s expiration on September 30th, as required by federal labor law. Shippers should be prepared for potential...

The most recent air freight data reveals that global air cargo rates only saw a slight increase of 0.7% in the week ending July 29, despite the global IT outage that happened in mid-July. This is somewhat unexpected, considering air cargo was already under pressure due to increased demand driven by the ongoing issues in the Red Sea and strength in e-commerce. The capacity through the Panama Canal is increasing, thanks to recent heavy rains. Typically, the canal can handle...

Written By Jessica Horwitz, Alison FitzGerald and Andrei Mesesan | On July 20, 2024, an Order Amending Canada’s Export Control List (ECL) (SOR/2024-112, or the Order) came into effect. This amendment adds five new controls under Item 5506 of the ECL, extending Canada's export regulation of certain advanced semiconductors and quantum computing technology. These changes are unilateral strategic export controls implemented by Canada, but they are aligned with similar controls in force or in development by international allies such as...