Tariff turmoil threatens US importers as China trade takes a hit
After weeks of speculation, US President Donald Trump has sharply escalated tariffs on Chinese goods to 125%, while simultaneously offering a 90-day reprieve to other trading partners.
The baseline tariff of 10% applies to imports from all countries other than China, including the EU. This rat...
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US Tariff Developments and Global Trade Reactions
Further to our recent update on the major changes to US tariffs (link), the global trade landscape remains highly fluid, with the situation evolving rapidly.
Last Wednesday, 2nd April, President Donald Trump announced a comprehensive tariff strategy, imposing a universal 10% tariff on all impo...
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Major US Tariff Changes
On 2 April , President Trump unveiled sweeping new tariffs that will have global implications for international trade.Â
These measures mark the most significant restructuring of U.S. tariff policy in decades and they will impact many businesses, irrespective of whether they trade with the Uni...
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Uncertain Waters: Securing Ocean Freight Rates
While there’s talk in the market about further pressure on rates, the reality is more complex, with container spot rate indices showing mixed signals last week, suggesting that any softening on key east-west routes might not last.
The global supply chain remains unpredictable, and several fa...
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US Auto Tariffs Threaten European Carmakers
From the 2 April the US will impose a 25% tariff on all imported cars and light trucks. The tariffs, unveiled in a 26 March White House proclamation, are being implemented in phases, with vehicle components including engines and transmissions following on 3 May.
The decision to impose blanket ...
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Shipping at Risk from $1.5M Port Charge
To combat China’s dominance in shipbuilding and revive the US maritime sector, a sweeping proposal from the Trump administration to penalise container ships built in China has sent shockwaves through the global shipping industry. The policy would levy up to $1.5 million per port call on Chinese...
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ICS2 and ELO: Preparing for the Next Phase of EU Border Compliance
As of 1st April, the European Union’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) entered its final implementation phase; a critical milestone for businesses moving goods into the EU.Â
Designed to enhance the safety and security of EU-bound shipments, ICS2 is now live across all transport modes, includi...
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Sea Freight Market Review
The global ocean freight market is undergoing a period of transition in 2025, influenced by regulatory changes, shifting trade patterns, and evolving carrier alliances. While demand remains strong in key regions, rate volatility persists due to supply chain disruptions and excess capacity.
The...
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Air Freight Market Review
The global air freight market in February and early March reflected moderate year-on-year (YoY) growth, with total worldwide tonnages up 5% in February and 2% higher YoY in early March.
However, market dynamics remain volatile, influenced by shifting trade policies, geopolitical factors, and e...
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Key Takeaways from TPM25
The 25th anniversary of the Trans-Pacific Maritime (TPM) Conference in Long Beach, California, reaffirmed its position as the premier global forum for senior supply chain executives carriers, and technology providers shaping the future of global trade.
This year’s event unfolded against a ba...
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Metro expands sustainability initiative for global sea and airfreight services
Metro is taking a bold step forward in its sustainability journey by expanding its environmentally conscious initiatives for global Sea freight and Airfreight services, effective April 1st, 2025.
As part of this commitment, Metro will introduce a groundbreaking transparency measure: the total ...
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Labour disputes at European ports disrupt container shipping
Trade union action across major European ports, particularly in Rotterdam and France, are causing significant disruptions to container shipping, exacerbating existing supply chain challenges.
Strikes at Rotterdam’s Delta II terminal and ongoing industrial action at French ports have created ...
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