Global Logistical Connections News

The Office of the United States Trade Representative has announced findings and proposed action in 60 Section 301 investigations related to forced labor goods. For U.S. importers, this is not just another trade-policy headline. It is a signal that sourcing transparency, customs readiness, and landed-cost planning may become even more important in the months ahead. On June 2, 2026, USTR determined that the acts, policies, … Read More

Customs enforcement is changing. Importers should prepare before the rules become operational. On June 3, 2026, the White House issued an Executive Order titled Strengthening Customs Enforcement. The order directs the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to pursue a broad customs enforcement reform effort focused on Importers of Record, bond coverage, supply chain disclosures, foreign IORs, audits, penalties, and import … Read More

Transpacific ocean freight rates are moving quickly again, and importers that are still planning against Q1 assumptions may need to revisit their Q3 strategy now. The issue is not only the base ocean rate. The current market is being shaped by early peak-season demand, carrier capacity management, blank sailings, fuel-related pressure, and new peak season surcharges. For importers moving goods from Asia into the United … Read More

Ocean freight rates have been climbing steadily for the past several weeks, and the pace is accelerating heading into June and July 2026. For importers shipping from China and from South America, the numbers moving through the market right now are not projections. They are active carrier filings, confirmed General Rate Increases, and spot rate data already reflecting a sharp upward move. If your team … Read More

The U.S. pet supply market keeps growing, and that creates a major opportunity for brands selling pet food, treats, toys, grooming products, accessories, and other pet care items. According to the American Pet Products Association, U.S. pet industry spending reached $158 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $165 billion in 2026. But growth also creates pressure. More SKUs, more import requirements, more retailers, … Read More

Customs clearance before arrival is one of the most important steps importers can take to reduce delays, avoid compliance gaps, and improve shipment visibility. For many companies, customs clearance feels like something that happens only when cargo reaches the port, airport, or border. In reality, the strongest customs process starts before the shipment moves. A missing invoice, incorrect classification, late Importer Security Filing, inactive customs … Read More

The global pet industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with sustained growth driven by changing consumer behavior and increased spending across categories, as highlighted by the American Pet Products Association’s industry trends and statistics What was once a stable market centered around basic food and accessories has transformed into a dynamic, innovation-driven sector fueled by premium products, e-commerce growth, and changing consumer expectations. … Read More

When many people hear the term cargo theft, they picture a stolen trailer, a broken seal, or a parked truck targeted overnight. That still happens, but the risk environment has changed. Today, cargo crime is often more strategic, more digital, and harder to detect at first glance. That is why shippers need to think beyond physical security alone and take a closer look at the … Read More

On April 2, 2026, the White House announced a new Section 232 action affecting steel, aluminum, and copper imports, along with certain derivative products, reshaping valuation, scope, and product treatment for many importers. At first glance, it may look like another tariff headline. In practice, this update is more significant than a simple rate increase. The new action changes how some products are valued for … Read More

Fuel prices have always influenced transportation costs, but in the current market, the impact is becoming harder to ignore. For many shippers, the biggest challenge is not only that diesel is expensive. It is that diesel volatility is now flowing directly into weekly fuel surcharge adjustments, making logistics budgets more difficult to predict from one week to the next. That matters because transportation spend is … Read More