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Progress and Paralysis in US Trade Policy

Nov 11, 2025 | , , ,

After weeks and months of economic tension and political uncertainty, a flurry of developments in early November have reshaped the outlook for US trade and logistics.

From tariff rollbacks to port fee suspensions, and a potential landmark Supreme Court ruling and continuing government shutdown, the policy landscape is shifting rapidly, bringing both relief and unease across global supply chains.

Tariffs Eased Under New US–China Agreement

The reduction of tariffs between the US and China took effect on 10 November, following a trade accord reached between Presidents Trump and Xi. The agreement lowers import duties on a wide range of goods, from agricultural products and industrial components to consumer electronics.

Importers welcomed the easing as a means to restore competitiveness and predictability in sourcing, with improved freight flows anticipated on trans-Pacific lanes. Analysts note that while the tariff cuts do not resolve underlying geopolitical tensions, they provide welcome breathing space for manufacturers balancing cost pressures and re-shoring considerations.

Port Fee Suspension Brings Relief to Carriers and Shippers

Complementing the tariff reductions, both Washington and Beijing have suspended reciprocal port fees for one year, from 10 November. The decision, announced 30 October, pauses the retaliatory levies that had been applied to vessels linked to either country.

The inclusion of RoRo and car carrier vessels in the suspension was particularly well received by the automotive and heavy-equipment sectors, which had faced additional costs on each port call.

The agreement is widely viewed as a pragmatic step toward de-escalation in maritime trade policy, easing operational costs for shipping lines and restoring confidence among automotive exporters and manufacturing supply chains reliant on consistent vessel rotation between US and Chinese ports.

Supreme Court Tariff Showdown: Uncertainty Persists

The fate of President Trump’s ability to impose sweeping tariffs remains unresolved, with the Supreme Court having recently heard oral arguments but yet to issue a ruling. Lower courts previously ruled against the administration’s use of emergency powers to levy broad tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), but the decision has been put on hold pending Supreme Court review.

The justices are split, with three seen as likely to support Trump’s position, three clearly against, and three in the middle, making the outcome difficult to predict. During oral arguments, skepticism was evident from across the bench regarding whether the statute provides a president such expansive tariff powers without congressional authorisation.

If the Supreme Court rules against Trump, attention will turn to the array of alternative mechanisms available to maintain tariffs. Even without IEEPA authority, legal experts note that the administration could rely on statutes such as Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which permits tariffs against unfair trading practices, or Section 338, a Depression-era law, which allows for steep duties of up to 50% if US businesses are discriminated against abroad. While each legal tool has varying thresholds and limitations, trade analysts are convinced there remain multiple pathways for the US to reimpose tariffs on targeted imports, underscoring the persistent uncertainty facing global shippers and manufacturers.

Government Shutdown Disrupts Trade Flows

Meanwhile, the US government shutdown, which began on 1 October, continues to disrupt logistics and international trade operations. Although a Senate compromise now appears close, any deal is likely to offer only temporary relief, funding government activities through January and leaving open the possibility of renewed disruption early next year.

While ports remain open, reduced staffing at US Customs and Border Protection has slowed documentation and inspection processes, lengthening clearance times and increasing dwell periods at major gateways such as Los Angeles-Long Beach.

Exporters are facing further obstacles as the Bureau of Industry and Security and the Directorate of Defence Trade Controls have paused most export licence reviews, while trucking and aviation sectors face delays in driver certification and airworthiness approvals.

Global supply chains are already feeling the ripple effects, with European and Asian manufacturers reporting shipment delays and additional inventory costs. The episode underscores the vulnerability of cross-border trade to US political impasse, a reminder that even as tariff and port fee tensions ease, operational continuity remains at the mercy of Washington’s budget negotiations.

With tariffs shifting, port policies evolving, and the risk of government shutdowns disrupting customs and regulatory processes, keeping your cargo moving demands proactive coordination and local expertise.

Metro’s US brokerage and logistics teams work closely with CBP and partner agencies to maintain clearance continuity and minimise disruption during periods of political or operational uncertainty. Supported by our CuDoS customs automation platform and expanding Metro Global USA network, we ensure every declaration meets filing deadlines accurately, efficiently, and fully compliant.

EMAIL Andrew Smith, Managing Director, to learn how Metro can help you navigate US trade policy changes, mitigate shutdown risks, and protect your supply chain from volatility.

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Metro Global USA: Building Momentum in a Key Market

Nov 9, 2025 | ,

Metro has taken a major step forward in its international growth strategy with the successful establishment and rapid expansion of Metro Global USA.

The operation now spans more than 10 offices across key logistics hubs, including New York, Chicago, and Dallas, strengthening Metro’s local presence and ability to support clients and partners in one of the world’s most critical trade markets.

The groundwork for this expansion was laid earlier this year, when CEO Grant Liddell and Managing Director Andy Smith completed a two-week visit to the United States to meet key clients, carriers, and partners. The visit confirmed the opportunity for a dedicated U.S. sales platform that would complement Metro’s global network and enhance its ability to serve transatlantic and intra-Americas trade.

That vision has now become a reality. Chief Financial Officer Laurence Burford and Project Manager Sophie Moss recently completed a strategic visit to the U.S. to embed Metro’s systems, culture, and governance across the new business. Their work focused on establishing financial and operational infrastructure aligned with U.S. regulations, ensuring robust budgeting frameworks, and integrating Metro’s digital and customer service platforms to deliver consistency and efficiency from day one.

Expanding Capability and Confidence

Momentum is building rapidly. Metro Global USA has already begun hiring additional staff to manage growing client demand, and its teams are now fully operational across a range of sectors. The U.S. offices are working closely with Metro’s UK and global teams to optimise trade lanes, improve routing options, and deliver end-to-end visibility through enhanced systems integration.

The visit by Burford and Moss was described internally as “extremely positive and beneficial,” generating strong engagement among U.S. staff and reinforcing Metro’s people-first culture. Their presence ensured alignment in both process and purpose, establishing a foundation for scalable growth that reflects Metro’s commitment to long-term partnership and service excellence.

Looking Ahead: Deepening Transatlantic Collaboration

Building on this momentum, Grant Liddell and Andy Smith are planning a follow-up visit to the U.S. in December to review progress, meet with staff and partners, and shape the next phase of expansion. Their agenda will focus on strengthening customer engagement, supporting further recruitment, and exploring additional investment opportunities in the North American market.

As global trade patterns evolve, Metro’s deepened presence in the U.S. ensures that its clients benefit from a truly integrated network, combining global reach with local expertise, and delivering predictable, efficient, and resilient logistics solutions across the Atlantic and beyond.

For more information about Metro Global USA or to explore opportunities in the U.S. market, please EMAIL Andrew Smith, Managing Director.

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USTR Port Fee Shockwave Hits Chinese Shipping and Vehicle Carrier Sectors

Oct 29, 2025 | , , , , , ,

The U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) newly imposed port fee regime is massively impacting container and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) operators, inflating operating costs, tightening vessel capacity, and prompting warnings of severe disruption to U.S. logistics.

UPDATE 30 OCTOBER – Donald Trump and Xi Jinping have agreed to end tit-for-tat levies on each other’s shipping industries, but there is no certainty yet as to when this will take effect.

Effective 14 October, the USTR introduced port service fees applying to all Chinese-operated and Chinese-built vessels calling at U.S. ports. Chinese-operated ships face a levy of $50 per net ton on their first port call of the year, escalating annually through 2028. For vessels merely built in China but operated by foreign lines, the higher of $18 per ton or $120 per discharged container applies.

Although originally aimed at Chinese maritime dominance, the policy has ensnared a much wider range of operators, including global RoRo and vehicle-carrier fleets built in Asian shipyards. The scope extends to nearly all non-U.S.-built ships, creating a sweeping cost burden across the international car-carrier sector.

Early Impact on China-Linked Carriers

Within the first week of implementation, Chinese shipping giants Cosco and OOCL incurred more than $42 million in port fees from just 15 U.S. port calls. Based on current deployment, annual exposure for the two lines could exceed $2 billion, representing as much as 7 % of combined revenue.

While some carriers have avoided Chinese tonnage by redeploying vessels built elsewhere, many have no alternative. Post-Panamax container ships and vehicle carriers built in China but owned by global operators remain fully liable under the new rules.

RoRo Operators Face Steep Increases

The new regime has been even more damaging for vehicle and equipment carriers. The levy on all foreign-built vessels, not just those tied to China, rose from $14 to $46 per net ton, tripling the original charge announced in June. This means a large car carrier now faces about $1.2 million per port call, capped at five annual calls per vessel.

Operators such as Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Höegh Autoliners are facing unprecedented annual costs, estimated near $1 billion and $225 million respectively, which will inevitably feed through to manufacturers and exporters. The burden will be particularly heavy on automotive and heavy-equipment producers that rely on U.S.–Europe and U.S.–Asia RoRo services.

Outlook

As public consultation on further extensions of the scheme continues, the maritime industry is bracing for additional cost escalation and route restructuring. Unless revised, the USTR’s fee framework could reshape port-call economics, amplify freight volatility, and reduce U.S. competitiveness in key manufacturing export markets.

Metro’s sea freight and RoRo specialists support automotive, machinery, and project cargo shippers potentially facing rising U.S. port charges amid changing compliance requirements. With deep expertise in vehicle logistics and carrier management, we minimise disruption and optimise cost efficiency across global trade lanes. EMAIL Andrew Smith, Managing Director, to discuss tailored solutions for your automotive supply chain.

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When the Suez Canal Comes Back Online: Hidden Risks for Supply Chains

Oct 28, 2025 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

With hopes rising of stabilising conflict in the Red Sea region, analysts are increasingly considering what it would mean if shipping lines resume full use of the Suez Canal route, and it’s not all good news. 

While the shorter route from Asia to Europe might seem like a logistical boon, the modelling suggests there are several material pitfalls ahead that shippers need to be aware of.

Since late 2023, container shipping lines operating on Asia–Europe and Asia–North America routes have avoided the Suez Canal, opting instead to sail around the Cape of Good Hope. This detour has extended transit times and absorbed a significant amount of global container capacity. According to Sea-Intelligence, a full and immediate return to the Suez Canal could release up to 2.1 million TEU of capacity, equivalent to around 6.5 % of the global fleet, back into circulation.

However, this sudden release would create a powerful surge of imports into Europe. Modelling suggests that if all carriers reverted to Suez routing at once, inbound volumes from Asia could double for a period of up to two weeks, pushing overall port handling demand almost 40 % higher than previous peaks. 

Even if the transition were more gradual, spread over six to eight weeks, European ports would still face throughput levels around 10 % above historical highs, straining terminal operations, inland connections, and storage capacity.

Key Areas of Risk

  • European Port Congestion and Hinterland Strain
    European ports are already under pressure. A sudden import surge could stretch terminal capacity, yard space, and inland networks, leading to delays, higher handling costs, and increased demurrage.
  • Short-Term Disruption Despite Long-Term Gains
    While the Suez route offers shorter transits and lower fuel use, the transition back is complex. Network structures have been rebuilt around the Cape, and reverting will require major re-engineering, with temporary schedule changes and service disruption.
  • Lingering Risk and Insurance Costs
    The security issues that diverted ships from Suez persist. Even after reopening, residual war-risk premiums and contingency measures could keep operating costs elevated.
  • Capacity Overshoot and Rate Pressure
    Releasing 2.1 million TEU of capacity is likely to swing supply–demand balance, pushing rates down and while shippers may benefit in the short-term, it is likely that carriers would take drastic action to protect margins.
  • Timing and Readiness
    The timing of a full return remains uncertain. Analysts stress that rushing back before networks and ports are ready could trigger fresh disruption rather than restoring stability.

Metro’s sea freight team are already modelling reopening scenarios to ensure capacity, routing, and contingency plans are ready when trade flows shift back through the Suez Canal. 

EMAIL Managing Director, Andrew Smith to arrange a strategic review of your shipping patterns, risk exposure, and options to protect service continuity and cost efficiency when routes realign.

Category: United States

4PL | Automotive | Customs | Exports | RoRo | Sea | United States

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