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
A $1.2T Trade Deficit, New Tariff Pressure
On December 9, 2025, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee reviewed USTR activities and FY2026 funding priorities, with Ambassador Jamieson Greer as the witness. The hearing emphasized the use of reciprocal tariffs as an enforcement tool aimed at addressing a reported $1.2 trillion trade deficit. While the memo is written through an agriculture lens, the themes apply broadly across supply chains: More tariffs used as leverage … Read More
The scale of the counterfeit problem this holiday season
CBP and its enforcement partners seize tens of millions of counterfeit items every year, from apparel and electronics to cosmetics, toys, and even medicines. In its most recent update, CBP reported seizing nearly 79 million counterfeit items in a single fiscal year, with a notional retail value in the billions if those goods had been genuine. Counterfeit clothing, consumer electronics, toys, and medications were among … 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
How Middle East Tensions Are Disrupting Supply Chains
On June 13, the global energy market reacted sharply to breaking news: Israel had carried out a strike on Iranian military targets. Early fears suggested a broader escalation could be underway, perhaps even one that would drag in Iran’s critical oil infrastructure. While that didn’t happen (Iran’s oil facilities were untouched), the market didn’t wait for confirmation. Diesel futures spiked nearly 8%. Crude oil prices … Read More
EU Prepares Countermeasures Against U.S. Tariffs
Tensions between the United States and European Union are escalating—again. On May 7, the European Commission launched a public consultation on potential retaliatory tariffs targeting a wide swath of U.S. goods. This move comes amid stalled negotiations to resolve newly imposed U.S. duties, including a 20% tariff on EU products and 25% on vehicle imports. The Stakes: €95 Billion in U.S. Goods at Risk The … Read More