Member states of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) voted to delay by one year the adoption of its global net-zero greenhouse gas framework for shipping. The motion, proposed by Singapore and pushed forward by Saudi Arabia, passed with 57 votes in favor, 49...
News & Advisories
New U.S.–China Port Fees Impact Vessel Availability and Trade Routes
The U.S. implemented new port fees targeting Chinese-built and Chinese-operated vessels. Chinese vessel owners and operators calling at U.S. ports now face a $50 per net ton fee, while Chinese-built ships are subject to the greater of $18 per net ton or $120 per...
IMO Net-Zero Framework Vote
The International Maritime Organization is holding a pivotal meeting in London this week, where member states are set to vote on the adoption of a new net-zero framework for global shipping emissions. If approved, the framework would mark a historic step toward...
Rotterdam Port Congestion Update
A Dutch court has ordered Port of Rotterdam lashers to temporarily return to work for four days after an extended strike caused major port congestion and supply chain disruptions. The strike, which began October 8 created significant backlogs. The court ruled that the...
New Section 232 Duties on Timber & Wood Products – Effective Oct. 14
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released further guidance on new Section 232 tariffs on certain timber, lumber, and wood-based products under Proclamation 10976, effective October 14, 2025. Key Changes Softwood lumber/timber: 10% (all countries) Upholstered...
U.S.–China Trade Tensions Deepen as Both Sides Announce New Fees and Tariff Measures
Trade tensions between the U.S. and China have flared again as both countries announce new fees. China’s Ministry of Transportation confirmed new tonnage fees on U.S.-owned and -operated vessels calling at Chinese ports, mirroring the U.S. Section 301 fees set to take...
Norfolk Southern International Intermodal Changes
Norfolk Southern Railway is overhauling its international intermodal network to improve efficiency and expand East Coast service into the Midwest. The changes, effective October 20, include consolidating operations and adding new train capacity from major East Coast...
Labor Strikes Disrupt Rotterdam and Antwerp
Port operations at Rotterdam and Antwerp are facing major disruptions due to labor strikes this week, compounding congestion and delays across Europe’s busiest gateways. In Belgium, Flemish pilotage services are only working limited hours amid a pension reform...
Update: Government Shutdown – CBP Operations and Agency Impacts
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) remains operational during the government shutdown. Cargo clearance, ABI support, ACE, OR&R, FP&F, permits, FTZ, and bonded warehouse requests continue as usual. Tariff enforcement also remains active, including...
25% Tariff Announced on Heavy Truck Imports
President Trump announced a 25% tariff on imported medium- and heavy-duty trucks, effective November 1, 2025. The move follows a Section 232 investigation under the Trade Expansion Act. The tariff is expected to primarily impact imports from Mexico, which supplies...