Recent executive orders issued under the authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) introduce significant changes to trade regulations that customs brokers and importers should be aware of. These developments involve new universal tariffs, changes to de minimis entry eligibility, and updates to existing trade enforcement measures. Key Highlights 1. Universal Tariff ImplementationA […]
A surge in frontloading activity—where importers move goods earlier than scheduled to avoid potential tariffs—has propelled a major U.S. port to record-setting February volumes, making it the second-best February in its history. While the beginning of the year has seen impressive momentum, port leadership expects volumes to moderate later in the year, especially for high-volume […]
After years of limited traction, the environment is becoming more favorable for the adoption of container freight futures as ongoing global supply chain disruptions continue to elevate the need for sophisticated risk management tools. Amid persistent volatility in shipping rates and unpredictable market conditions, industry stakeholders are revisiting financial instruments designed to hedge against rate […]
A recent proposal to impose significant fees on foreign-built and -operated vessels calling at U.S. ports has triggered a wave of concern and collaboration across the maritime industry. The suggested tariffs, which could reach up to $1.5 million per port call, were introduced as part of an investigation into the global shipbuilding and logistics sectors […]
In March 2025, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) proposed significant service fees on Chinese maritime carriers and operators using Chinese-built vessels. These measures come under a Section 301 investigation targeting China’s dominance in the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. Key Points of the Proposed Action: Direct Fees on Chinese Carriers: Up […]
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is proposing significant trade actions following a Section 301 investigation into China’s strategic efforts to dominate the global maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding industries. The investigation found that China’s policies—driven by decades of top-down industrial planning—have severely harmed U.S. commerce, displacing U.S. companies, restricting competition, and creating […]
The New York New Jersey Foreign Freight Forwarders and Brokers Association, Inc. (NYNJFF&BA) has submitted formal comments opposing proposed trade actions by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) under Section 301, which targets China’s dominance in maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. The Association strongly warns that the proposed service fees on maritime […]
Last fall, a U.S.-based toy distributor placed a $100,000 order for a variety of stuffed animals from overseas suppliers. By the time the products arrived at a domestic port months later, newly implemented tariffs had taken effect—adding an unexpected $20,000 to the total cost. The importer had explored every possible legal avenue to avoid the […]
An upcoming April meeting of a major international maritime body will be a critical moment for global shipping policy, as questions remain about the level of commitment from key member states amidst shifting geopolitical priorities. The organization’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) will meet to finalize a new regulatory framework aimed at reducing greenhouse gas […]
A recent proposal from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to impose significant fees on Chinese-built or operated vessels calling at U.S. ports has raised concerns across the broader maritime industry—particularly among those operating in smaller and regional trades. While the focus of the policy is aimed at addressing concerns around China’s subsidization […]
