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
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
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
How U.S. Tariffs Quietly Crushed Peak Shipping Season
As August 1st approaches, it’s clear that this year’s peak season never truly arrived. Despite ocean carriers’ attempts to raise freight rates through a General Rate Increase (GRI), market conditions simply wouldn’t cooperate. Soft demand, shifting tariff timelines, and volatile policy swings under the so-called “TACO” strategy have upended traditional shipping cycles. Rates for August are now falling, not rising, and with booking volumes down … Read More
May 2024: Navigating International Trade Challenges
May 2024 is shaping up to be a pivotal month for businesses engaged in international trade, particularly those with operations linked to Asia. The convergence of the General Rate Increase (GRI) and the recent Labour Day holidays in China presents a unique set of challenges for the global logistics sector. This period could impact everything from shipment schedules to freight costs, making advanced preparation crucial … Read More