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 Are Climbing Again: What Shippers Need to Know for June and July 2026
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
When Conflict Disrupts the Supply Chain
What Shippers Should Watch in Lead Times, PO Management, and Strategic Routing Geopolitical conflict is often discussed in terms of headlines, oil prices, or market reactions. For importers, exporters, and logistics teams, however, the real impact shows up somewhere more immediate: in lead times that stop behaving predictably, purchase orders that require constant reprioritization, and routing decisions that suddenly carry far greater operational and financial … Read More
25% Tariffs on Countries “Doing Business” With Iran
In mid-January 2026, multiple major outlets reported that President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff targeting any country that “does business” with Iran, described as effective immediately via a social media statement. For supply chain leaders, the headline isn’t just “a new tariff.” It’s the uncertainty: Which countries qualify? What counts as “doing business”? Will CBP publish implementation guidance? Will it stack on top of … Read More
Port of Oakland Faces Volume Fluctuations Amid Global Trade Changes
The Port of Oakland, a critical gateway for U.S.-Asia trade, is experiencing significant shifts in cargo volumes due to evolving tariffs and trade policies. These changes are altering shipping patterns, prompting companies to reevaluate supply chain strategies and port utilization. Recent tariff adjustments have increased costs for certain imports, influencing the volume of goods moving through Oakland. As carriers adjust routes to optimize profitability, shippers … Read More
China’s growth slows as Trump tariff war and property slump bite
China’s growth trajectory has weakened as two powerful forces converge: an intensified tariff campaign from the United States and the ongoing drag from a troubled property market. Together, these factors are reducing domestic consumption, slowing investment, and altering patterns of global trade, with real consequences for shipping volumes, routing decisions, and inventory strategies worldwide. For supply-chain and logistics leaders, the shift is practical, not theoretical. … Read More
U.S.–Colombia Relations at Risk: Trump Threatens New Tariffs
In a sudden escalation that rippled through global trade headlines, President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would end aid to Colombia and impose new tariffs on Colombian exports. The announcement followed public accusations that Colombian President Gustavo Petro had failed to curb drug production, a claim Petro strongly rejected as “an attack on national sovereignty.” What might appear to be a diplomatic dispute is … Read More
US Plans 100% Tariffs On China And How Beijing Is Responding
President Trump said the U.S. will impose an additional 100% tariff on all imports from China, citing a “mineral trade dispute” after Beijing tightened controls on rare-earth exports. In his announcement, he indicated the move could begin “November 1st, 2025 (or sooner, depending on any further actions…)”, a signal to importers that policy risk is now immediate, not theoretical. Other major outlets report the same … Read More
Another Tariff Expansion: Foreign Duties May Prompt U.S. Tariffs
On September 6, 2025, the White House issued an Executive Order modifying the scope of reciprocal tariffs and establishing new procedures for implementing trade and security agreements. For supply chain leaders in industries like e-commerce, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and CPG, this marks another important shift in the trade landscape. Understanding these changes, and how to adjust your logistics strategy, will be critical to minimizing risk and … Read More
EU and USA Trade Pact Reignites Cross-Atlantic Supply Chains
July 31, 2025 | Trade & Logistics Update In a major breakthrough, the United States and European Union have reached a landmark agreement to suspend billions of dollars in retaliatory tariffs and establish a new cooperative trade framework. Announced over the weekend and formally introduced by President Trump on July 28, the deal is being hailed as a turning point in U.S.–EU trade relations, potentially … Read More