Trade and Compliance

Terminal operator joins TradeLens as it looks to align with ocean carriers and provide better box tracking.

French calls for mandatory slow steaming continue, but the introduction of low-sulfur bunkers could see container lines accelerate services as fuel markets are played for competitive advantage.

Japan’s freight industry is set for a downturn on the back of declining economies in the U.S., China and the Eurozone, new research reveals.

Turkey has the next five days to maintain the ceasefire against Syrian and Kurdish forces before the U.S. sanctions are removed.

West Coast forwarders and customs brokers discussed blockchain, e-commerce, big data and Section 321 at their annual WESCCON gathering.

The Hong Kong Human Right Rights and Democracy Act, which unanimously passed the House of Representatives on Oct. 15, puts pressure on Hong Kong to uphold U.S. export controls.

A boost to demand from higher commodity volumes and a reduction in supply owing to IMO 2020 low sulfur fuel regulations are giving a boost to the international dry bulk freight markets, says Hong Kong ship operator Pacific Basin (HKEX: 2343).

September saw China record its lowest monthly export growth to the U.S. since 1996 as the trade war inflicted more damage.

Large aircraft are included on the list of $7.5 billion worth of European imports that will be subject to new U.S. tariffs starting Oct. 18. That means U.S. airlines with […]

FreightWaves finds growing evidence that manufacturers and distributors are transferring operations from the U.K. to northern Europe.

The Trump administration takes aim at financial assets of Turkish government agencies and officials linked to military strikes in Syria, but Congress may legislate broader sanctions in the days ahead.

Although Super Typhoon Hagibis has caused catastrophic floods, mudslides and at least 68 tragic deaths in Japan, FreightWaves understands from local sources that Tokyo’s critical freight infrastructure – seaports and airports – are undamaged. Japan’s wider logistics network is suffering from a miscellany of damage such as flooding.

The announcement by President Donald Trump not to increase tariffs on $250 billion in Chinese imports to the U.S. and boost U.S. agriculture exports did not address other structural issues.

Petitions must be filed to the U.S. International Trade Commission by no later than Dec. 10 to be considered for inclusion in the next miscellaneous tariff bill.

NCBFAA generally supports Customs and Border Protection’s goal to protect against illicit importers but said the agency’s proposed importer verification rule has “grossly miscalculated the cost” to customs brokers.

Asia-Europe demand has been strong for much of the year, but spot rates have tumbled as some lines have cut rates. With demand weakening, carriers are poorly placed ahead of annual contract negotiations, says Drewry.

Big air trade drops with major trading partners leaves industry looking for backfill

Freight volumes in and out of Japan’s busiest port, the Port of Tokyo, have declined in the first six months of 2019 compared to the first six months of 2018, new comprehensive data shows.

An influx of new container ships has hiked the average size of vessels deployed on the trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe trades, reports Alphaliner.

“Finally, a ray of hope for the U.S.-China trade relationship,” said Myron Brilliant, U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s head of international affairs.

The Graham-Van Hollen sanctions bill would cut off Turkey from U.S. military equipment and parts, as well as target foreign support of the country’s oil and gas production used by its armed forces.

Port of Los Angeles container volumes dipped in September and its executive director called for a negotiated settlement of the U.S.-China trade ware.

Renowned logistics analyst explains how Brexit will impact cargo flows, liner shipping calls and European supply chain planning.

Confidence elevated after Trump decides to meet with Vice Premier.

Customs brokers say a permanent extension of the 2017 Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act would incentivize Customs and Border Protection to automate the tax refund process.

Asian merchant shipping and major drinks manufacturers are responsible for an increase in the amount of plastic bottles found in the world’s oceans.

Customs and Border Protection officers said the counterfeit footwear, which was recently seized at the L.A./Long Beach seaport complex, was mis-declared as “napkins.”

Houston still the main gateway for resin shippers, but other Southeast ports growing as well.

New third-party logistics firm to take over yard and warehouse that handles ‘considerable’ freight.

“This new module will make it easier for Commerce and CBP to monitor and uphold our trade laws,” Executive Assistant Commissioner Brenda Smith of CBP’s Office of Trade said.

The Commerce Department said the Chinese government and commercial entities added to the export control list participated in human rights violations against China’s Muslim ethnic minorities.

The association, which represents the country’s customs brokers and freight forwarders, seeks better engagement between Customs and Border Protection and industry software vendors.

At the center of the Trade War between the U.S. and China are the American ocean ports.

The Government Accountability Office found that Treasury, State and Commerce agencies, which administer U.S. economic sanctions, lack the ability to definitively measure their effectiveness.

The transfer of production out of China to avoid U.S. tariffs of up to 25% is having a tangible impact on global trade flows.

Officials with the McAllen Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) will soon take a second tour of China to look for new partnership opportunities in that country. Keith Patridge, president and chief […]

The National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America will work with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to develop the education program.

The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control said three GE subsidiaries failed to use “reasonable care” by accepting payments from a Cuban entity associated with a Canadian customer.

From Oct. 1 new low-sulfur fuel charges are being levied by some container lines with more to follow through Q4. Use of the fuels is not mandatory until January 1, 2020.

U.S. sanctions targeting Iranian crude aboard Chinese ships ensnare Canadian-headquartered, New York-listed owner of Bahamas-flagged vessels carrying Russian cargoes via Arctic Sea.

Export and import volumes falling well below earlier estimates as economy slows and trade tensions rise.

Customs and Border Protection issued holds on five products from five countries, requiring U.S. importers to re-export those products or provide additional information that they were not made with forced labor.

With 7,000-10,000 trucks using the Calais-Dover route between France and England every day, a no-deal Brexit will hit haulage companies hard, says the IRU.

U.S. sanctions targeting a subsidiary of China’s COSCO Shipping could have far-reaching consequences.

For 235 years China and the U.S. have sought out each other’s markets by utilizing their fleets of merchant ships.

Northern Asia is again in the cross-hairs of an extreme weather event as Typhoon Mitag bears down on some of the busiest box ports in the world.

Borderlands is a weekly rundown of developments in the world of United States-Mexico cross-border trucking and trade. This week: Harvest Sherwood selects Fr8Hub as broker; Arizona-Mexico Town Hall focuses on cross-border trade; […]

The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control identified Moscow-based Maritime Assistance LLC as the head of a “sanctions evasion scheme” to deliver jet fuel to Syria.

Amazon.com recently acquired cloud-based startup INLT, a move designed to simplify importing goods into the United States for Amazon’s online merchants, according to Reuters. INLT, which the company said stands for IN:LET, […]

The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control said the sanctions do not apply to parent company COSCO Shipping Corp. and other affiliates not involved in the transport of Iranian oil.

Customs and Border Protection officers in the Kentucky port of entry seized counterfeit Cartier bracelets and other jewelry between July and September, resulting in an importer’s arrest.

Four ocean shipping firms and four tankers are added to the Office of Foreign Assets Control’s Specially Designated Nationals List for their roles in supporting Maduro regime.

The aerospace and defense company Harris Corp. failed to stop repeated violations of the Arms Export Control Act for several years following notification by the Defense Department of wrongdoing.

Flexport’s head of airfreight believes a small bump in demand out of Asia could result from new U.S. tariffs, while higher fuel prices will push up air cargo costs.

CEO Chris Spear leading a behind-the-scenes approach to influencing White House.

The Mexican border city of Nuevo Laredo should “bet more on logistics and foreign trade” than on attracting more maquiladoras, according to trade experts. “Nuevo Laredo no longer needs to […]

The Senate Appropriations Committee’s Democratic members are expected to reject proposed Department of Homeland Security fiscal year 2020 funding bill if $5 billion for southern border wall stays.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture agency looks forward to receiving import documentation through Customs and Border Protection’s International Trade Data System.

Mexico’s national association of heavy duty truck and bus manufacturers (ANPACT), reported the manufacture of commercial trucks grew 6% in July, producing 20,006 units, when compared against 18,863 units in […]

Getting to Zero Coalition, which includes Maersk Line, calls for “commercially viable zero-emission vessels” to be deployed on deep sea trade by 2030.

Customs and Border Protection explores electronic methods to capture data on the estimated 1.8 million package shipments valued at less than $800 arriving in the U.S. each day.

The Treasury Department adds two banks to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List in response to Iran’s alleged involvement in missile attacks against Saudi Arabia’s oil facilities.

Academics look at the trade imbalance between the United States and China and weigh in on possible fixes.

FIATA warns that higher air, ocean and trucking fuels costs will be passed directly on to customers.

Blockchain to be deployed by VAKT to smooth the post-trade process

Through the continued development of automated processes, U.S. Customs and Border Protection foresees the day when paper export manifests will no longer be necessary.

In a wide-ranging speech, the deputy director-general of the WTO, Alan Wolff, sets out the challenges and issues for the body. But he’s generally optimistic on the future of world trade.

Pressure applied as some Democrats remain concerned about labor provisions.

Manufacturer installed diesel engines in construction equipment that failed to meet emissions standards under the Clean Air Act when imported into the U.S. from 2012 to 2015.

Tariff Reform Coalition members want the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee to “exercise greater oversight and control” over President Trump’s tariff authority.

New law strengthens U.S. government’s national security oversight of foreign investments in American companies that manufacture “critical” technologies and infrastructure, as well as own airport and seaport properties.

Customs and trade facilitation chapter supported at CSCMP Edge 2019.

Danish logistics conglomerate DSV is now one of the world’s leading forwarders after completing the acquisition of Panalpina in August.

The Express Association of America said additional industry participants in Customs and Border Protection’s Section 321 pilot will “enhance” the agency’s capability to target illicit products.

Borderlands is a weekly rundown of developments in the world of United States-Mexico cross-border trucking and trade. This week: Border checkpoint affecting truck wait times; Protestors shut down Houston Ship Channel; […]

The Justice Department has asked the express carrier’s lawsuit to be dismissed, stating that it should be up to Congress and not the court to decide if the Export Administration Regulations apply.

The primary cause of the deteriorating outlook for the next 12 to 18 months is trade policy.

The NCBFAA proposes amending the U.S Bankruptcy Code to allow “subrogation” rights for customs brokers who have paid duties to the U.S. government on behalf of a bankrupt importer.

Truck capacity across the English Channel could be cut to 50% for up to three months, resulting in two day queues for drivers.

The announcement comes after Beijing announced its first round of tariff exemptions for U.S. goods earlier in the day.

U.S. Customs officers at Los Angeles International Airport recently confiscated 28 counterfeit National Basketball Association championship rings with a retail value of $560,000, the agency said Sept. 11. The officers […]

The National Association of Manufacturers wants Capitol Hill lawmakers to pass another long-term extension of the bank’s charter before its Sept. 30 expiration.

Henry Byers writes about the latest twists and turns in the U.S.-China trade war.

Almost all companies required to conduct due diligence to determine the countries of origin for conflict minerals used in their products did so last year, according to a Government Accountability […]

Export compliance experts find little new in the Bureau of Industry and Security’s FAQs answers related to the Chinese telecom’s placement on the Entity List and temporary general license.

But a failure to secure a no-deal Brexit could scupper their plans to reshore manufacturing.

A Treasury Department official reaffirmed on Sept. 8 the Trump administration’s denial of temporary waivers that previously allowed countries to import Iranian crude oil under U.N. and U.S. sanctions.

A NAFTA binational antidumping and countervailing duty dispute panel on Sept. 4 issued a decision upholding the U.S. International Trade Commission’s (ITC’s) finding that imports of softwood lumber from Canada […]

Mexico’s legislature is considering proposals that would limit the permitted weight of double tractor-trailer trucks — called “fulles” in Mexico — to decrease truck-involved accidents and relieve traffic congestion. Cities […]

Borderlands is a weekly rundown of developments in the world of United States-Mexico cross-border trucking and trade. This week: U.S.-Mexico migration deal expires on Sept. 6;  Columbus, NM, gets new […]

Vice President Mike Pence on Sept. 5 in London made the case for a post-Brexit U.S.-United Kingdom trade agreement, asserting that such a deal could triple or quadruple bilateral trade. […]

A white paper released Sept. 4 by Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., raises concern with the ability of the federal government to combat trade-based money laundering (TBML) and suggests that a […]

Does container shipping have a drug problem? After a string of busts in the U.S. in recent months, attention has now switched to the U.K., where authorities have seized 1,279 […]

Potato farmers are asking U.S. agricultural officials for support in expanding export trade into Mexico.  Currently, American potato farmers and exporters are mostly barred from selling fresh potatoes in Mexico […]

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire on Sept. 3 stated a shared commitment for their countries to work constructively on a solution to international taxation […]

Air cargo carriers are expecting a demand surge for scheduled and charter capacity if the British government overcomes opposition in Parliament and proceeds with a no-deal exit from the European […]

Resit Tavan, owner of Istanbul-based Ramor Dis Ticaret Ltd., will spend 27 months in jail for conspiring to export U.S. marine equipment to Iran.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control said additional trade regulations will take aim at the Nicaraguan president and his regime for the ongoing use of violence against the country’s people.

Although consumption rates in Europe have remained durable and kept cargo demand reasonably buoyant this year, the U.S.-China trade war and ‘Brexit’ are casting dark clouds over the European economy […]

Do U.S. corn producers have an opportunity to sell more to Brazil for ethanol production?