CBP inspection do not use online

US customs enforcement is tightening

Jul 22, 2026 | , , ,

Importing into the United States is becoming significantly more complex as federal agencies introduce new compliance requirements that place greater responsibility on importers to prove the accuracy, legitimacy and traceability of every shipment.

President Trump's Executive Order on ‘Strengthening Customs Enforcement’ requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to overhaul importer eligibility regulations, customs guidance and enforcement policies, while introducing significantly tougher penalties for businesses that fail to comply. The Department has 180 days to implement the changes.

The focus is no longer simply on collecting duties. Authorities are strengthening oversight of product compliance, importer eligibility, valuation, supply chain transparency and customs declarations, with higher penalties for businesses that fail to meet their obligations.

Customs enforcement is entering a new era

While detailed regulations are still being developed, the direction of travel is already clear. Over the next six months, the Department of Homeland Security is expected to introduce the most significant changes to US customs compliance requirements in years. Importers should prepare for greater disclosure requirements, more extensive due diligence and substantially tougher financial penalties for non-compliance.

Future importer eligibility is likely to require more comprehensive information covering company ownership, business affiliations, production methods, anticipated import volumes, sanctions compliance and supply chain transparency.

The objective is to identify deliberate fraud more quickly, particularly around forced labour, transhipment, undervaluation and product misclassification. However, the measures are also likely to affect compliant businesses, making accurate documentation, complete supply chain visibility and robust internal controls more important than ever.

Current proposals would introduce substantially higher minimum penalties for customs breaches, potentially reducing the flexibility previously available where businesses voluntarily disclosed errors or where mistakes were considered administrative rather than deliberate.

Simple documentation errors, late duty payments or inaccurate declarations that might previously have been resolved with relatively modest consequences could carry much greater financial exposure.

For many businesses, the greater risk may not be the penalty itself, but the commercial impact of delayed cargo, disrupted production schedules and additional storage charges while customs investigations are completed.

eFiling raises the importance of product compliance

Alongside broader customs reforms, mandatory CPSC electronic filing since 8 July is now transforming how regulated consumer products enter the United States.

As Metro highlighted in previous updates, businesses importing products covered by Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations must now submit structured electronic certificate data before goods enter the country.

The early weeks of implementation have already revealed common compliance issues that increase the likelihood of inspections and customs intervention.

Many businesses continue to treat certification as a final documentation exercise immediately before shipment. In reality, compliance now needs to begin much earlier, with manufacturers, suppliers, testing laboratories, freight forwarders and customs brokers all working from consistent product information before cargo is booked.

Certificates must correspond precisely with the products being shipped. Even relatively minor differences in factory location, production batch, product specification or SKU can require different supporting documentation.

The emphasis has shifted from declarations to verifiable data. Informal assurances from suppliers are no longer sufficient if the underlying certification data cannot be submitted electronically in the correct format.

Visibility across the supply chain is becoming essential

These changes reinforce a wider trend across global trade. Whether responding to customs enforcement, product compliance requirements or supply chain security programmes, importers increasingly need complete visibility from manufacturing through to final customs clearance.

Businesses must understand not only where their products are, but how they were manufactured, which suppliers contributed components, what testing has been completed and whether every document can be matched accurately to each shipment.

Without that visibility, customs compliance becomes slower, more expensive and considerably more vulnerable to disruption.

Compliance should start before goods leave origin

The common thread linking every recent regulatory change is preparation.

Companies that establish product compliance, customs documentation and supply chain data before production is completed are far better positioned than those attempting to resolve issues after shipments have been booked.

As customs authorities continue strengthening enforcement, proactive compliance will increasingly become a competitive advantage, helping businesses avoid delays, reduce costs and maintain reliable access to one of the world's largest consumer markets.

Turning compliance into confidence

As Metro continues to expand its customs brokerage capability and operational footprint across the United States, with senior leadership currently visiting colleagues, customers and strategic partners nationwide, we're strengthening the expertise, relationships and technology that help businesses trade with confidence.

Combined with our US customs specialists, CuDoS automated customs platform and MVT supply chain visibility solution, Metro delivers end-to-end visibility from origin to final delivery, right down to SKU level. By integrating customs compliance, shipment tracking and supply chain intelligence into a single solution, we help businesses reduce risk, respond faster to disruption and keep cargo moving efficiently through US Customs.

To discover how Metro can simplify your US customs processes and build a more resilient international supply chain, EMAIL Managing Director Andrew Smith today.

LHR terminal 5

Air freight markets under pressure as capacity struggles to recover

Jul 22, 2026 | , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Global air freight markets continue to outperform expectations, but the balance between supply and demand remains fragile. 

What began as a short-term disruption following renewed conflict in the Middle East has evolved into a more structural capacity challenge, keeping rates elevated and limiting available space on key trade lanes.

Although airlines have adapted their networks and capacity is gradually returning, the market has yet to recover the capacity lost earlier this year. At the same time, resilient demand, particularly from the technology sector, continues to absorb available space, leaving shippers facing higher transport costs and reduced flexibility. 

Middle East disruption continues to shape the market

The collapse of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran has extended disruption across international air cargo networks well beyond initial expectations.

Several major international airlines have postponed the planned resumption of passenger and freighter services to the Gulf until at least late October, delaying the return of valuable belly-hold and freighter capacity that traditionally supports Asia-Europe cargo flows.

Before the conflict, around one-third of Asia-Europe air freight transited through Middle Eastern hubs. The loss of those services removed approximately 12% of global air cargo capacity almost overnight, forcing airlines to reroute shipments through alternative gateways and deploy additional direct freighter services wherever possible.

Despite these adjustments, capacity growth has lagged behind demand throughout 2026. Global air cargo demand increased by around 4% during the first half of the year, while available capacity expanded by only around 1%, creating the imbalance that continues to support elevated freight rates.

As a result, industry forecasts have changed significantly. Expectations that freight rates would fall during 2026 have been replaced by forecasts of annual increases up to 15%, reflecting the ongoing supply constraints affecting the market.

Demand remains resilient as market dynamics evolve

While geopolitical disruption has constrained capacity, changing demand patterns are also reshaping global air freight.

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence infrastructure is generating exceptional demand for semiconductor and data centre equipment, particularly on Transpacific services. Global semiconductor sales more than doubled year on year during the spring, creating sustained demand for premium air freight capacity.

Although AI-related shipments still represent a relatively small proportion of total air cargo volumes, they are highly concentrated on key trade lanes and typically require fast, reliable transport, placing additional pressure on available freighter capacity.

By contrast, the extraordinary growth in cross-border e-commerce that has supported air freight markets in recent years is beginning to moderate.

Changes to low-value import rules in both the United States and the European Union have reduced demand for some e-commerce shipments, with exports of low-value goods from China continuing to decline. While this has eased pressure on certain trade lanes, the reduction has been more than offset by continued strength in industrial manufacturing, technology exports and higher-value cargo.

Airlines continue to compete for scarce freighter capacity

The industry's ability to respond to changing demand remains constrained by a shortage of dedicated freighter aircraft.

Delays to new passenger aircraft deliveries continue to limit passenger-to-freighter conversion programmes, restricting the supply of additional cargo aircraft entering the market. As a result, airlines are increasingly competing not only for freight but also for access to aircraft.

Rather than expanding fleets rapidly, many operators are pursuing partnerships, aircraft acquisitions and strategic investments to secure long-term capacity. Others are repositioning aircraft between markets as demand changes, with freighter deployment shifting rapidly between Asia, Europe and the Americas in response to geopolitical events, humanitarian operations and changing trade flows.

This lack of spare capacity means the market remains particularly vulnerable to further disruption. Any significant geopolitical event, weather-related disruption or operational shock has the potential to tighten capacity quickly and place renewed upward pressure on rates.

Planning ahead remains the best strategy

Although capacity is expected to improve gradually during the second half of the year, market conditions remain unpredictable.

For shippers moving time-critical or high-value cargo, securing capacity early, maintaining flexible transport options and working closely with dependable logistics partners will remain essential. Businesses that rely on just-in-time supply chains or seasonal inventory should continue to allow additional planning time while airlines rebuild network resilience.

The market has demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout 2026, but it also highlights how quickly global air freight can be reshaped by geopolitical events, changing technology demand and structural capacity constraints.

Keeping your supply chain moving

When capacity is tight, reliability, experience, network strength and proactive planning make the difference.

Metro works with leading airlines and global carrier partners to secure stable air freight capacity across key international trade lanes. Our experienced teams provide tailored routing solutions, customs expertise and end-to-end shipment management, helping customers minimise disruption and keep critical cargo moving, even in challenging market conditions.

To discuss how Metro can strengthen your global air freight strategy and support your international supply chain, EMAIL Managing Director Andrew Smith today.

Trade handshake

UK trade deals open new opportunities

Jul 22, 2026 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The UK's trade agenda continues to gather momentum, creating new opportunities for businesses trading internationally, while reshaping the way they access global markets. 

The most recent agreements with major trading partners across Asia-Pacific, the Gulf, North America and Europe have expanded market access, reduced tariffs and strengthened supply chain resilience.

For UK businesses, these agreements represent far more than diplomatic milestones. They offer practical commercial advantages, from lower export costs and simplified market access to stronger supply chains and improved regulatory cooperation. While some negotiations remain ongoing, the overall direction is clear: the UK is building an increasingly diverse portfolio of international trading relationships that extends well beyond traditional European markets. 

UK-EU relations continue to evolve

Although the planned UK-EU summit scheduled for July has been postponed following the change in UK political leadership, negotiations have continued behind the scenes.

Officials are progressing work on the mandatory five-year review of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), alongside wider discussions aimed at improving the trading relationship.

Several areas could deliver tangible benefits for businesses. Negotiations on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards are intended to reduce border checks on food and agricultural exports, while discussions continue around linking UK and EU emissions trading systems, cooperation on electricity infrastructure and broader regulatory alignment.

While no major changes have yet been agreed, businesses trading with Europe should continue to monitor developments, as incremental improvements to customs procedures and border processes could reduce friction for many exporters over the coming months.

CPTPP becomes a reality for UK exporters

One of the most significant developments has been Mexico's ratification of the UK's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on 22 June 2026.

With Canada expected to complete implementation in September, UK businesses will soon benefit from preferential access across all twelve CPTPP member economies, creating one of the world's largest free trade areas spanning Asia-Pacific, North America and Latin America.

Collectively, CPTPP countries account for around 15% of global GDP and more than 500 million consumers. For exporters, the agreement opens new opportunities across manufacturing, consumer goods, food and drink, automotive, technology and professional services, while giving businesses greater flexibility to diversify international supply chains beyond traditional markets.

Gulf agreement strengthens access to a fast-growing region

May’s new Free Trade Agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) represents another important step in expanding Britain's global trading relationships.

Covering Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the agreement is expected to remove hundreds of millions of pounds in annual tariffs on British exports once fully implemented.

Products including food, beverages and consumer goods are expected to benefit from lower duties, while wider provisions covering digital trade, investment and business mobility should make it easier for UK companies to establish and grow commercial operations throughout the Gulf.

For businesses already trading with the Middle East, the agreement offers greater certainty at a time when the region continues to play an increasingly important role in global logistics and supply chains.

Switzerland opens new opportunities for UK exporters

The UK's latest agreement with Switzerland further expands opportunities for British exporters, particularly across agriculture and food production.

The new Free Trade Agreement removes or reduces tariffs on a wide range of British agricultural exports, including lamb, vegetables, dairy products, beef and sparkling wine, while also strengthening services trade between the two countries.

The agreement, which was finalised on 13 July is expected to increase bilateral trade by more than £7 billion annually, reinforcing Switzerland's importance as one of the UK's highest-value trading partners.

UK-US cooperation goes beyond tariffs

The UK and United States continue to strengthen their trading relationship through pharmaceutical supply chain agreement signed at the end of 2025.

The arrangement protects more than £5 billion of annual UK pharmaceutical exports from tariffs while creating closer cooperation on medicine availability, manufacturing resilience and regulatory alignment.

Beyond the life sciences sector, the agreement demonstrates a growing emphasis on supply chain resilience rather than simply reducing tariffs. Greater cooperation on trusted sourcing, manufacturing capacity and regulatory processes reflects the increasing importance governments are placing on securing critical supply chains in strategically important industries.

Turning opportunity into competitive advantage

Securing a trade agreement is only the first step. Real commercial success depends on understanding customs requirements, managing international logistics and building resilient supply chains capable of supporting long-term growth.

Metro helps businesses take full advantage of emerging global trade opportunities through integrated freight forwarding, customs expertise and end-to-end supply chain management. Whether you're looking at new sourcing options or expanding into Europe, North America, the Gulf or the Asia-Pacific region, our global network and local specialists help simplify international trade while reducing cost, risk and complexity.

To discover how Metro can help your business unlock new international trading opportunities, EMAIL Managing Director Andrew Smith today.

FXT at dawn

Strong demand and constrained capacity are reshaping container shipping

Jul 22, 2026 | , , , , , , , , , ,

For much of the recent past, freight markets have lurched from one disruption to another. Pandemic recovery, conflict in the Red Sea, tariff uncertainty and conflict in the Middle East have each triggered periods of higher freight rates before conditions gradually eased.

This time, however, the market appears to be changing for different reasons.

While geopolitical events continue to influence global shipping, they are no longer the only force keeping container capacity tight. Strong international trade, sustained investment in new industries and persistent congestion across global transport networks are all helping to support freight rates, suggesting the market may remain firmer than many shippers anticipated.

Global trade continues to absorb available capacity

One of the strongest indicators is that cargo volumes continue to grow despite higher transport costs.

Global container traffic has increased by around 4% year on year, with Asia-Europe volumes rising approximately 12% and Asia-North America around 11%, with indexed rates rising 150% over two quarters.

Growth is also becoming more geographically diverse. Alongside resilient demand from Europe and North America, expanding trade with Africa and Latin America is absorbing additional vessel capacity that might previously have been available elsewhere.

At the same time, the mix of cargo moving through global supply chains is changing.

Rather than retailers replenishing inventories and other traditional sources of demand, increasing volumes are being generated by long-term investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure, data centres, batteries, electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies. These emerging industries will require sustained manufacturing and international transport over many years, creating a more durable source of freight demand than short-term consumer buying cycles.

More ships do not necessarily mean more capacity

Although shipping lines have ordered record numbers of new vessels, effective shipping capacity remains far tighter than headline fleet statistics suggest.

Only around 2% of the global container fleet is currently idle, while demand for charter vessels (particularly ships above 3,000 TEU) continues to strengthen. Carrier profitability also recovered sharply during the second quarter, reflecting healthier trading conditions after a difficult start to the year.

Meanwhile, operational constraints continue to reduce available capacity.

Most container services remain diverted around the Cape of Good Hope instead of using the Red Sea, significantly extending voyage times. Transit through the Strait of Hormuz remains uncertain following renewed regional tensions, while congestion at several major ports continues to delay vessel turnaround times.

Together, these factors mean carriers are deploying almost every available ship simply to maintain existing service networks.

Air freight points to the same underlying trend

Container shipping is not the only transport mode experiencing stronger market conditions.

Air freight demand has also continued to strengthen since the second quarter, despite improving airline capacity and fewer operational disruptions, driving indexed rates up by a quarter in under six months.

When both ocean and air freight markets strengthen simultaneously, it indicates that demand for international transport is expanding across global supply chains rather than being driven solely by disruption affecting one particular trade route.

For cargo owners, that provides further evidence that today's freight market reflects broader structural demand rather than temporary geopolitical events alone.

Peak season is likely to remain challenging

Looking ahead, while some softening is probably inevitable, there is little indication that market conditions will change significantly before the end of the year.

Strong demand, limited spare shipping capacity, continuing port congestion and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty are all expected to support freight rates throughout the traditional peak season.

While some carriers have begun limited returns through the Suez Canal, these remain selective and do not yet represent a wider restoration of normal operating patterns.

As a result, businesses should continue planning for constrained capacity, longer booking lead times and freight costs remaining above historical averages.

Relief is coming, but not immediately

The substantial order-book of new container ships scheduled for delivery during 2027 and 2028 should eventually restore greater balance between supply and demand.

Until then, however, the combination of resilient trade growth and restricted effective capacity is likely to keep freight markets tighter than many expected earlier this year.

Rather than waiting for rates to fall, businesses should continue reviewing freight budgets, securing capacity early and building flexibility into their supply chain planning to reduce exposure to market volatility.

Metro can help you stay ahead of changing market conditions

Freight markets are evolving rapidly, making forward planning more important than ever. Whether you're reviewing sourcing strategies, managing peak season demand or looking to reduce transport costs through smarter routing and capacity planning, Metro's ocean freight specialists can help.

With global carrier relationships, flexible routing options and tailored supply chain solutions, we work alongside customers to secure reliable capacity and build resilient logistics strategies that keep cargo moving, whatever the market conditions. 

EMAIL Metro’s Managing Director, Andrew Smith to discuss how we can support your international supply chain.

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