Genco CEO Says Trump’s China Ship Fees Will Hammer Farmers, Not China
Employees working at cargo ship Kypros Land which is loading soybeans to China at Tiplam terminal in Santos, Brazil, Merch 13, 2017. Picture taken March 13, 2017. REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker Mike Schuler April 1, 2025 By Ilena Peng (Bloomberg) — The largest US-based dry bulk shipper said it is prepared to pass on costs to US exporters…
Looming Trump tariffs will create 'a bureaucratic monster' for Customs
By Charlotte Goldstone 01/04/2025 Tomorrow’s promised US tariffs will create “practical nightmares” and “a bureaucratic monster of new customs procedures”, with some countries directly in the firing line. Yesterday, The United States Trade Representative (USTR) office released the 2025 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers for the US (NTE), alphabetically dissecting the…
ILWU urges USTR to introduce land border fee to counter cargo diversion
Published on 01-04-2025 at 11:00 Port of Los Angeles Shutterstock The ILWU believes a land border fee would prevent China from rerouting US-bound cargo through Canada and Mexico and bypassing US ports. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), representing 22,000 dock workers on the U.S. West Coast, believes the Office of the United States…
China State Media Blasts CK Hutchison’s Panama Port Deal In Soon-Deleted Post
A ship sails near the Balboa Port in Panama City, Panama, March 4, 2025. REUTERS/Enea Lebrun Reuters March 29, 2025 By Lewis Jackson and Jenny Su BEIJING, March 29 (Reuters) – Chinese state media attacked Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison’s plan to sell its ports near the Panama Canal to a BlackRock-led group in a social media post…
Icebreaker Diplomacy: Finnish President Stubb Makes Surprise Visit To Meet With Trump
An icebreaker built for the Finnish government is seen at Arctech Helsinki Shipyard in Helsinki, Finland, September 10, 2015. REUTERS/Jussi Rosendahl Reuters March 29, 2025 By Andrea Shalal and Anne Kauranen WEST PALM BEACH, Florida, March 29 (Reuters) – Finnish President Alexander Stubb made a surprise trip on Saturday to meet with U.S. President Donald…
De Minimis change 'no bad thing' for logistics operators
© Nunthana Setila By Alexander Whiteman 28/03/2025 Logistics suppliers appear increasingly unfazed by the chaos emanating out of the White House and the looming crackdown in not only the US but Europe on de minimis exemptions. Responding to a question from The Loadstar at an event marking the launch of Maersk’s latest dual-fuel vessel,…
Car-Shipping Companies Plunge After Trump’s Latest Tariffs
The car carrier Tristan of Wallenius Wilhelmsen in the port of Bremerhaven, Germany (Source: Tvabutzku1234 under CC0 1.0 Universal) Bloomberg March 27, 2025 By Alex Longley Mar 27, 2025 (Bloomberg) –Shares of companies that haul cars across oceans plunged after President Trump widened his trade war with tariffs on vehicles not made in the US. Wallenius…
Opposition builds for final hearing on US plan to tax Chinese box ship calls
© Eamesbot By Charlotte Goldstone 26/03/2025 US importers and shippers await the outcome of the final hearing on the new administration’s proposal to tax millions from Chinese-built vessels – but some carriers will be less worried than others. Today marks the second, and last, hearing on the US Trade Representative’s proposed 301 rule: a…
US tariff policy 'unsustainable and only temporary', says Geodis VP
@ CLERGUE Bruno By Stuart Todd 27/03/2025 Logistics services providers (LSPs) are feeling the impact of the downturn in the EU’s automobile sector. Against a backdrop of stagnant economic growth and flagging consumer demand, production fell 6.2% last year , with new vehicle registrations virtually flat (+0.8%), falling into negative territory in the new…
White House confirms automotive tariffs – 'a disaster for the industry'
Photo: © Amaiquez | By Alex Lennane 27/03/2025 Automotive logistics could be hard hit – with some modal shift to cut costs – now the US has confirmed ‘heavy-handed’ 25% tariffs on imported vehicles. To be introduced on 2 April, such a tariff would have impacted eight million vehicles last year, and increased their…
US auto tariffs signal old relationship between US and Canada “is over”
Published on 27-03-2025 at 20:52 GM’s Oshawa plant in Ontario. GM Following President Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on imported vehicles and some vehicle components Canada’s new Prime Minister has concluded that its 150-year-old relationship with the US “is over”. On March 26 President Trump signed a proclamation invoking Section 232 of the Trade…
Chinese ship charges receive cool reception at USTR
China pitched as biggest threat to US shipbuilding while Japan and South Korea were identified as a potential source of expertise to revitalise US shipbuilding. Nick Savvides, Europe correspondent March 26, 2025 IMAGE: PORT OF LA Initial hearings at the office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) investigating the shipping market manipulation by China have…
Opposition builds for final hearing on US plan to tax Chinese box ship calls
© Eamesbot By Charlotte Goldstone 26/03/2025 US importers and shippers await the outcome of the final hearing on the new administration’s proposal to tax millions from Chinese-built vessels – but some carriers will be less worried than others. Today marks the second, and last, hearing on the US Trade Representative’s proposed 301 rule: a…
Geopolitical tensions reshaping global trade warns Singapore Senior Minister
Singapore’s Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong highlighted an acceleration of structural shifts between major powers which the maritime sector needs to prepare for. Marcus Hand, Editor March 24, 2025 Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong giving the Singapore Maritime LectureCREDIT: MARCUS HAND Giving the annual Singapore Maritime Lecture at the start of Singapore Maritime Week Senior…
Trump Port Levies On Chinese Ships Could Mean Billion-Dollar ‘Trade Apocalypse’ Industry Executives Say
FILE PHOTO: A cargo ship full of containers is seen at the port of Oakland as trade tensions escalate over U.S. tariffs, in Oakland, California, U.S., February 3, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File Photo Malte Humpert March 24, 2025 The U.S. Trade Representative is gearing up for hearings this week on the proposed port fees targeting Chinese…
AgTC President: USTR’s fees on Chinese ships will decimate agriculture exports
Published on 24-03-2025 at 16:03 Bulker loaded with grain Shutterstock AGTC strongly opposes USTR’s proposal, arguing it threatens US agriculture and rural communities by making it more difficult to compete in global markets. The US Trade Representative’s (USTR) proposed fees on Chinese-built ships calling at US ports have drawn a wave of opposition from the…
Trump Tariffs Prompt Yachtmaker To Eschew Profit Forecast
File Photo: Ventura/Shutterstock Bloomberg March 22, 2025 By Francois de Beaupuy Mar 20, 2025 (Bloomberg) –Beneteau SA, a French maker of sailing yachts and powerboats that generates about 20% of its sales in the US, isn’t providing an annual profit forecast because of uncertainty over Trump administration trade policies. It opted not to give earnings guidance…
US Trade Chief To Speak With Chinese Counterpart As Tariff Rift Widens
A cargo ship full of shipping containers is seen at the port of Oakland as trade tensions escalate over U.S. tariffs, in Oakland, California, U.S., February 3, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Barria Reuters March 22, 2025 By Trevor Hunnicutt, Jarrett Renshaw and David Lawder WASHINGTON, March 21 (Reuters) – Donald Trump’s top trade chief, Jamieson Greer, plans…
Majority of Americans Support Domestic Shipbuilding as National Security Priority, New Poll Reveals
Photo: Hanwha Philly Shipyard Mike Schuler March 21, 2025 A new poll released today reveals overwhelming support among Americans for strengthening domestic shipbuilding capabilities, with 72% agreeing that the United States must reduce dependence on foreign ship manufacturers. The survey, conducted by Morning Consult for the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM), comes as U.S. shipbuilding…
$3.5m: How much this COSCO ship might be charged when calling at a US port
Sam ChambersMarch 21, 2025 Port of Oakland Public comments continue to fly into the US Trade Representative (USTR) ahead of Monday’s hearing into controversial plans to tax Chinese-built tonnage calling at US ports. In the more than 150 submissions sent in, a considerable number have hit out at the unfair, blanket nature of the penalties…
Trump prioritising shipping more than any past US President says FMC chair
Federal Maritime Commission chair Louis Sola urges port authority executives to make their views known on Capitol Hill. Barry Parker, New York Correspondent March 20, 2025 Louis Sola chair of the FMCCREDIT: FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION “We’ve never had a President prioritise shipping as much as this one has, in the past fifty-seven days,” states Louis…
US port call fees would force ACL to exit transatlantic trade, says CEO
ID 158054895 © Mikesimon25 | Dreamstime.com By Gavin van Marle 20/03/2025 Niche transatlantic carrier Atlantic Container Line (ACL) has warned it would have to exit the trade if the US Trade Representative (USTR) enforces its proposed 301 rule on Chinese-built ships. The company, owned by Italy’s Grimaldi Group but has its operational HQ in…
European Shipping Commands 35% of Global Fleet, Critical for EU Security and Trade
Photo: Sven Brandenburg/Shutterstock Mike Schuler March 19, 2025 European shipping has emerged as a crucial geopolitical asset for the European Union, controlling 35% of the world’s fleet despite the EU representing only 15% of global GDP, according to new studies released ahead of the European Shipping Summit. The comprehensive market analysis, conducted by Deloitte and…
$100m per VLCC port call: American targeting of Chinese tonnage risks backfiring
Sam ChambersMarch 19, 2025 Crowley The Monday deadline is fast approaching for public comments on the US Trade Representative’s investigation into China’s dominance in shipbuilding after which president Donald Trump will make a ruling. Submissions to the Washington body have been numerous, some full of praise, and plenty of others warning of the potential costly…
FMC empowered to investigate international 'shipping chokepoints'
ID 153673598 © Yolfran | Dreamstime.com By Alexander Whiteman 19/03/2025 Donald Trump appears to have ‘weaponised’ the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) as part of US efforts to revitalise its shipping sector. On Monday it was announced that the FMC would investigate seven “chokepoints” in liner shipping: the Northern Sea Passage; English Channel; Malacca Strait;…
BIMCO sounds alarm on impact of USTR’s proposed fees on Chinese ships
Published on 18-03-2025 at 10:07 China Shipping container ship in Oakland Shutterstock BIMCO warned that the proposed actions would significantly raise transport costs for US imports and exports, while the impact on Chinese dominance remains uncertain. BIMCO, the Baltic and International Maritime Council, has sent a letter to the US Trade Representative (USTR) highlighting that…
Can these two men find some middle ground to keep world trade moving?
SplashMarch 17, 2025 The White House We have a new magazine launching today, designed to give the shipping industry an idea of how the markets might play out in the coming months. Today’s opening instalment looks at the trajectories of the world’s two largest economies. Economists have been left flabbergasted by the opening months of…
US could bar ships from countries seen to be creating maritime chokepoints
Sam ChambersMarch 14, 2025 In the latest maritime bombshell coming out of Washington DC, the Federal Maritime Commission, the country’s shipping regulator, has warned it might bar entry to ships from countries found to be causing choke points at key locations around the world. The FMC yesterday opened an investigation into transit constraints at international…
Confusion over infrastructure projects as US pauses green agenda
© Photovs By Ian Putzger Americas correspondent 14/03/2025 Washington’s ‘back and forth’ tariff moves have created confusion among targeted countries as much as within US business circles. And on another front, the administration’s stance on infrastructure investment is raising questions for the project logistics sector. The shift in priorities that came with the change…
Canada Strikes Back in Trade War With Tariffs on US Steel, Aluminum
FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump holds an executive order about tariffs increase, flanked by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 13, 2025. REUTERS/File Photo Bloomberg March 12, 2025 By Brian Platt, Josh Wingrove and Mathieu Dion (Bloomberg) — Canada announced new 25% tariffs…
US automakers fear 'double-whammy' cost hikes with latest tariffs
By Alexander Whiteman 12/03/2025 US automakers are facing a massive hike in car production costs with the imposition of 25% tariffs on all imported steel and aluminium. The levies came into effect this morning, with President Trump having rowed back after threatening to hit Canada with 50% tariffs, although he maintained his recommendation that…
EU hits back at US steel and aluminium tariffs
Published on 12-03-2025 at 14:11 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen Shutterstock The EU is retaliating against new US steel and aluminium tariffs with countermeasures on US$28 billion of American imports, as Trump’s trade policies backfire and Wall Street tumbles. The European Commission has announced countermeasures against US imports worth US$28 billion in response…
White House can't see that trade war will hit US agriculture hardest
© Aoutphoto By Charlotte Goldstone 11/03/2025 Chinese retaliation to US tariffs will hit the “low-margin” agricultural sector the hardest, and White House officials haven’t grasped the full impact, say experts. Peter Friedmann, executive director at the Agriculture Transport Coalition, told operator Port of Long Beach’s Port Update he was “very concerned” for US agriculture…
Worries grow for US agricultural exporters amid new tarrifs
Published on 10-03-2025 at 07:06 Grain loading, Tacoma Washington Shutterstock China seems to have learned from past tariff battles, which doesn’t appear to be the case with the US. Will the US agricultural sector bear the brunt again? As tensions rise between the US and China over trade policies, American agricultural exporters find themselves grappling…
Shipping industry in crisis mode with tariff 'earthquake'
GLOBAL shipping executives meeting last week in Long Beach, California, found themselves in crisis mode instead of discussing market trends and supply chain challenges. On March 4, President Donald Trump upended decades of mostly free trade with the two biggest US trading partners, slapping 25 per cent tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada. The…
Analysts warn of more US pressure on Chinese investment after port sale
A HONG Kong company’s decision to sell its global port stakes highlights the dilemma countries and firms will face in pursuit of Chinese and US investment, according to analysts. They added that as the United States under President Donald Trump sought to exclude China from agreements around the world, Beijing’s global ambitions, particularly its Belt…
USTR China built ship fee would almost certainly face legal challenges
Shipping is in focus in the US with both the SHIPS for America Act and controversial USTR proposals seeking to reinvigorate the domestic maritime sector. Barry Parker, New York Correspondent March 10, 2025 CREDIT: PIXABAY “This is the largest piece of maritime legislation since the Great Depression,” were the words of Keith Letourneau, Houston based…
US shipping businesses bankruptcy warning over China built vessel fees
Smaller to mid-sized ship operators and ports could be put out of business by proposed port charges on China-built vessels by the United States Trade Representative (USTR). Barry Parker, New York Correspondent March 10, 2025 Chinese vessel Qian Kun part of the fleet operated by Chipolbrok in the USCREDIT: BARRY PARKER The recommendations of the…
Mariner Crisis Goes Unsolved In New Tump Executive Order
US Mercant John Konrad March 9, 2025 by Captain John Konrad (gCaptain) This week President Trump signed a huge deal with French shipping giant CMA to build approximately 20 new U.S.-flagged ships and announced at the State of the Union address that the White House will soon open a new shipbuilding office. The CMA deal…
Trump’s Shipbuilding Plan Could Upend Ocean Cargo Industry, Companies Warn
A cargo ship full of shipping containers is seen at the port of Oakland, as trade tensions escalate over U.S. tariffs, in Oakland, California, U.S., March 6, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Barria Reuters March 8, 2025 By Lisa Baertlein LOS ANGELES, March 7 (Reuters) – President Donald Trump’s plan to revitalize the U.S. shipping industry could heap massive costs…
Panama Maritime Authority to Review CK Hutchison-BlackRock Port Deal
Marshall Is. CL YINGDU oil/chemical tanker transits through the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal, on the outskirts of Panama City, Panama December 18, 2023. REUTERS/Roberto Cisneros Reuters March 7, 2025 By Elida Moreno and Marianna Parraga PANAMA CITY, March 7 (Reuters) – The Panama Maritime Authority, which oversees shipping and port infrastructure in the…
Shipping Firms Pull Back from Hong Kong to Skirt US-China Risks
Port Of Hong Kong Stock Photo: leungchopan / Shutterstock.com Reuters March 6, 2025 HONG KONG/LONDON, March 6 (Reuters) – Some shipping companies are discreetly moving operations out of Hong Kong and taking vessels off its flag registry. Others are making contingency plans to do so. Behind these low-profile moves, six shipping executives said, lie concerns that their ships could be commandeered…
House Committee Leaders Slam EU’s TikTok Campaign to Undermine Jones Act
Crowley’s Jones Act ConRo, El Coquí, arrives in San Juan, Puerto Rico for the first time on July 30, 2018. Photo: Crowley Maritime Corp Mike Schuler March 6, 2025 Bipartisan leaders of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee have confronted the European Union over its attempts to influence U.S. maritime policy through social media…
Trump offers carmakers one-month exemption from tariffs
By Alexander Whiteman 06/03/2025 President Trump has offered a reprieve to North American automakers after imposing what have been called “punishing” 25% tariffs on goods coming from US neighbours Canada and Mexico. The 25% penalty came into effect on Tuesday, sending stock markets into a spiral, more than wiping out gains that followed Mr Trump’s…
US businesses 'highly concerned' over hit from tariff retaliation
AI-generated © genpick | By Alex Lennane 05/03/2025 The US looks set reduce the tariffs imposed yesterday on Mexico and Canada – but tariffs are likely to remain rather than be suspended, according to US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick. In yet more trade whiplash for shippers, he said the US administration would “probably” say…
WSC pushes for US to reconsider USTR’s ‘damaging proposal’ on Chinese ships
Published on 05-03-2025 at 22:31 Container ships berthed at the Port of Oakland, California Shutterstock Even Matson, the all-American shipping line, could be impacted by the USTR’s proposal, as it operates several Chinese-built vessels within its fleet. American shipping company Matson, Inc., a key player in Jones Act trades, could be caught in the crossfire…
More tariff confusion; Trump announces shipbuilding office and steps towards “reclaiming” the Panama Canal
Published on 05-03-2025 at 04:43 President Trump speaks to the joint session of Congress. Screenshot from Whitehouse broadcast Just as Canada starts to roll out retaliatory tariffs the Commerce Secretary hints that a deal with Canada and Mexico could be announced. As US tariffs of 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10%…
Trump Orders New White House Shipbuilding Office Amid Rising China Maritime Dominance
U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) applaud as U.S. President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on March 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. Win McNamee/Pool via REUTERS Mike Schuler March 4, 2025 President Donald Trump announced the creation of a new White…
Canada and Mexico eye retaliation as 25% tariffs come in
By Alexander Whiteman 04/03/2025 US tariffs of 25% are set to hit Canada and Mexico today, while those on Chinese goods have doubled, to 20%. Despite some hope there would be a last-minute reprieve, Donald Trump said yesterday there was “no room left for Mexico or for Canada” to avoid tariffs. “They’re all set. They…
US Chinese ship penalties will hit transatlantic trade hardest – Soren Toft
Soren Toft. Photo: caughtinthemoment.com By Gavin van Marle in Long Beach 04/03/2025 The transatlantic container trade could be the most severely impacted if the US goes ahead with the proposed imposition of US fees on Chinese-built ships, MSC CEO Soren Toft said this week. Speaking at the S&P Global TPM conference in Long Beach, Mr…
Trump’s tariffs spark retaliation from China and Canada
Published on 04-03-2025 at 11:42 US President Donald Trump Shutterstock Trump’s tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China take effect, escalating tensions with key US trade partners, who swiftly retaliated with their own tariffs. President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs took effect on Tuesday, marking a significant escalation in global trade tensions. The Trump Administration implemented a…
More tariff confusion; Trump announces shipbuilding office and steps towards “reclaiming” the Panama Canal
Published on 05-03-2025 at 04:43 President Trump speaks to the joint session of Congress. Screenshot from Whitehouse broadcast Just as Canada starts to roll out retaliatory tariffs the Commerce Secretary hints that a deal with Canada and Mexico could be announced. As US tariffs of 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10%…
US Port Fees on China Vessels Would Affect All Shipping Firms, CMA CGM Says
CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin at the port of Long Beach for its inauguration in February 2016. Photo credit: Port of Long Beach Reuters February 28, 2025 PARIS, Feb 28 (Reuters) – U.S. proposals to hit Chinese vessels with high port fees would have a major impact on all firms in a container shipping industry in which most vessels are…
U-turn on Canada/Mexico tariff delay – 'drugs still pouring in', says Trump
© Skypixel By Charlotte Goldstone 28/02/2025 US president Donald Trump has continued his tariff onslaught, and shippers have been warned that sourcing alternatives “do not necessarily exist”. On 4 February, President Trump promised 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, which, he explained, was to curb illegal immigration and fentanyl smuggling. After…
What will be the cost of US fees on Chinese ships?
Published on 28-02-2025 at 11:00 Cosco Shipping Line container ship in Port of Los Angeles, California/US Shutterstock According to Drewry, more than 80% of container ships calling at US ports would be hit by US tariff fees as they are envisaged. The shipping industry, particularly container shipping, has been left stunned by recent announcements from…
European shipowners, ports welcome Clean Industrial Deal
Published on 27-02-2025 at 08:39 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen Shutterstock European port and shipowner associations voice support for the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal. The European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) and the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) have strongly welcomed the Clean Industrial Deal unveiled by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on…
US shippers eye Chinese-built vessel charges with concern
Fears of inflation due to the proposed charges on Chinese owned and built vessels have been voiced by US shippers who believe that these charges will ultimately either be borne by American importers or passed on to consumers Nick Savvides, Europe correspondent February 26, 2025 CREDIT: OOCL Global Shippers Council (GSF) director James Hookham said…
Amid 'a war economy', EU drops key supply chain pledges from green deal
By Charlie Bartlett technology editor 26/02/2025 The EU has dropped targets from its Clean Industrial Deal (CID), including the pledge of a 90% reduction in emissions versus 1990 levels. Unveiled today, the amended CID strategy is designed to push for development of domestic European supply chains for renewable energy, and reduce reliance on foreign…
World’s Largest Ocean Carriers Face Costly U.S. Port Fees Under Proposed Rules
MSC Tessa, one of the world’s largest containerships, under construction at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding in Shanghai, China. Photo courtesy CSSC Mike Schuler February 25, 2025 The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has proposed sweeping new restrictions targeting Chinese-built ships and operators, including substantial port fees that could reshape global shipping economics. The action, stemming from a Section…
Taiwan and South Korea lines don't fear US levy on Chinese ships
Photo: VesselFinder By Alison Koo 25/02/2025 Taiwanese and South Korean liner operators are likely to be those least impacted by the US Trade Representative Office’s proposed levies on operators of Chinese-built ships, according to Linerlytica’s report this week. The levies could see operators of ships built in China hit by fees of up to…
Mandatory reporting for emergency entry of foreign vessels into China
STARTING March 1, 2025, the China Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) will require foreign-flagged vessels to report their intent to enter Chinese internal waters due to emergencies such as illness, mechanical failure, distress, and adverse weather. Vessels can report via marine radiotelephony, DSC on VHF, MF, and HF, marine satellite telephone, wired telephone, fax, the national…
Who Really Controls the Panama Canal? The Truth Behind Trump’s Claims
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio tours the Miraflores locks at the Panama Canal in Panama City, Feb. 2, 2025. Mark Schiefelbein/Pool via REUTERS Mike Schuler February 24, 2025 With President Trump back in office, political rhetoric around expanding U.S. influence and securing key geopolitical assets has intensified. Recent claims about Chinese control of the…
Trump Administration Proposes Massive Port Fees on Chinese-Built Vessels
An OOCL containership at the Port of Long Beach. Photo: Richard H Grant / Shutterstock.com Mike Schuler February 24, 2025 The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has announced sweeping new measures targeting China’s growing dominance in global maritime sectors, including potential fees of up to $1.5 million per port call for Chinese-built…
UK-EU trade 'reset' could be on the cards if France uses its 'clout'
© Craig McKay Dreamstime.com By Alexander Whiteman 24/02/2025 A bilateral agreement between the UK and France could offer Britain its best opportunity for streamlining trade with the EU, with officials from bloc countries and Whitehall set to meet for what are being billed as “reset” talks in May. Paul Lavery, global CEO of logistics…
US moves to impose fees on Chinese ships
Published on 24-02-2025 at 08:17 Cosco container ship in Oakland, California Shutterstock The US proposes significant fees on Chinese ship operators and vessels constructed in Chinese shipyards, a decision likely to burden non-Chinese carriers with increased costs. The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has announced a proposed set of Section 301 actions…
US Commerce Secretary’s Comments Give Cruise Operators Case Of Deja Vu
Bloomberg February 22, 2025 By Redd Brown Feb 21, 2025 (Bloomberg) –Cruise operators may yet avoid paying more US corporate taxes despite threats from US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to close favorable loopholes. Lutnick’s comments on Fox News Wednesday that that US-based cruise companies should be paying taxes even on ships registered abroad sent shares lower,…
EU 'frustration over what UK wants' as further trade talks loom
Photo 73488670 © Wojtek Kaczkowski – Dreamstime.com By Alexander Whiteman 21/02/2025 Supply chain operators are being warned not to get their hopes up of any imminent change in trading relations between the EU and the UK, as legislators in Brussels are trying to work out what the British government is seeking from a proposed…
The commercial implications of FuelEU Maritime
Published on 21-02-2025 at 07:26 FuelEU is aimed at addressing carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide emissions across the entire fuel lifecycle Shutterstock One of the major commercial implications of the regulation is that responsibility for compliance lies with the ISM (International Safety Management) company, resulting in complexities for commercial contracts. The European Union’s FuelEU…
EC ready to talk with US on tariffs – but a deal 'must be mutually beneficial'
Photo: © motortion | Dreamstime.com By Charlotte Goldstone 20/02/2025 The European Commission (EC) is “ready to find mutually beneficial solutions” with the US amid ‘tit-for-tat’ tariff threats. According to the commission, there is no “absolute” figure for average tariffs on EU-US trade, as “this calculation can be done in a variety of ways which…
A Ukraine peace agreement: the effect on Europe's supply chains
By Alexander Whiteman 18/02/2025 Supply chain leaders are bracing ahead of advance negotiations due to begin in Saudi Arabia today to bring an end to the Russia’s war against Ukraine. Responding to news that presidents Trump and Putin would at some time be meeting, Ti CEO John Manners-Bell suggested any peace agreement could help…
EC slams US 'reciprocal tariffs' plan and says the trading bloc will retaliate
© Tanaonte By Charlotte Goldstone 14/02/2025 The European Commission (EC) has branded the latest US “reciprocal tariffs” as “a step in the wrong direction”. After the past few weeks of tariff-pandemonium, the Trump administration has released yet another plan to boost the US trade deficit. With its Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs Plan,…
US u-turn on corruption abroad 'won't drive rise in deals won by bribery'
© Romolo Tavani | By Alex Lennane 13/02/2025 Donald Trump’s decision to “pause” rules banning bribery abroad will not have much impact, according to one forwarder who has worked hard to stamp out corruption. On Monday, yet another executive order noted: “The president’s foreign policy authority is inextricably linked with the global economic competitiveness…
EC eyes 'handling charge' replacing de minimis in bid to tackle cheap imports
© Ironjohn By Alexander Whiteman 11/02/2025 European regulators are looking at ways to tackle the surging flow of goods entering the bloc under the de minimis rule, as concerns rise over eroding product standards. With President Trump removing the US de minimis exemption for goods from China – since suspended as parcels piled up…
Metals tariff rocks auto industry, and Trump smiles on bribes in foreign deals
© Snowingg By Alex Lennane 11/02/2025 While yesterday’s announcement of 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports to the US took most column inches, the world of logistics could also be impacted by a less-publicised executive order which could open the door to bribery in foreign deals. The order, which pauses enforcement of the…
US tariff plans could drive Europe into the arms of Chinese EV makers
© Suwin Puengsamrong By Alexander Whiteman 10/02/2025 Donald Trump’s tariff plan could spectacularly backfire, forcing Europe closer to China as it seeks to hit environmental targets, it was claimed. China is hunting alternative markets for its substantial output of electric vehicles as it faces up to exports to the US being hit by a 10%…
Trump readies 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports
Published on 10-02-2025 at 08:21 Donald Trump Shutterstock Trump is set to announce new 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports on Monday, primarily affecting Canada. US President Donald Trump has announced a new round of tariffs, stating on Sunday that all steel and aluminum imports to the US will face a 25% duty. Speaking…
Konecranes: US tariffs on EU could shift competitive balance in lift trucks
Published on 10-02-2025 at 07:10 Konecranes SMV 4638 at the Port of Hull ABP Konecranes says potential tariffs on EU imports could briefly favour US rivals in lift trucks but sees no major industry disadvantage. As the global trade landscape faces uncertainty amidst the looming potential tariff war between the US and China, and the…
Ports and logisticians criticise German plans
10.02.2025 By: Jeremy Soland Industry and port representatives and logistics companies have criticised Germany’s new federal plan for inland navigation, citing the need for a more comprehensive approach, according to a media release. At a meeting in Duisburg they called for a realistic modal split, a holistic traffic forecast and a more accurate analysis…
Trump to Announce Reciprocal Tariffs on Many Countries Next Week
U.S. President Donald Trump looks on, on the day he signs an executive order in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S., January 31, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Barria Mike Schuler February 7, 2025 By Jarrett Renshaw and David Morgan WASHINGTON, Feb 7 (Reuters) – President Donald Trump said on Friday he plans to…
Trump administration ups sanctions against Iranian shipping
Sam ChambersFebruary 7, 2025 Donald Trump has wasted little time in carrying out his vow to up pressure against Iran with the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) yesterday slapping sanctions on more than a dozen people and firms that are accused of facilitating the shipment of millions of barrels of Iranian oil to China.…
Trump’s China tariffs fail to make an impact
The latest data shows that President Trump’s tariff regime dating back to 2018, primarily on Chinese goods up to now, is having little effect on trade. Nick Savvides, Europe correspondent February 5, 2025 CREDIT: PORT OF LOS ANGELES Chinese import volumes have remained strong and there has been rising congestion at both ports in China…
Trump’s Tariff Threat Pushes Canada to Rethink Oil Pipelines
FILE PHOTO: A drone view of three berths able to load vessels with oil is seen after their construction at Westridge Marine Terminal, the terminus of the Canadian government-owned Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, April 26, 2024. REUTERS/Chris Helgren/File Photo Bloomberg February 5, 2025 (Bloomberg) — Almost every day since…
Panama Canal Authority Denies U.S. Claim of Free Transit for Military Vessels
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Panama Canal Authority Administrator Ricaurte Vasquez tour the Miraflores locks at the Panama Canal in Panama City Feb. 2, 2025. Mark Schiefelbein/Pool via REUTERS Mike Schuler February 5, 2025 The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has directly contradicted U.S. State Department claims regarding free passage for U.S. government vessels…
Hutchison’s grip on Panama ports under legal fire
Published on 05-02-2025 at 08:24 Container ship transits Panama Canal Shutterstock Hutchison risks losing its concession for two key Panamanian ports amid a fresh legal challenge driven by growing pressure from Trump over China’s influence. Hutchison Ports Holdings’ control over two key ports flanking the Panama Canal is under fresh scrutiny as US pressure on…
FEPORT and 44 European Transport Organisations Call for a Stronger EU Transport Budget
Brussels, February 5th, 2025 FEPORT, alongside 44 European transport organisations, urges EU policymakers to uphold a strong, centrally coordinated transport funding instrument to address Europe’s infrastructure, resilience, and decarbonisation challenges. A well-functioning, integrated transport network is essential to maintaining Europe’s supply chain sovereignty and enabling the shift to a net-zero economy. European-level…
Trump Pressures Iran; Iran Threatens Strait of Hormuz Closure
February 4, 2025 Copyright Robert/AdobeStock U.S. President Donald Trump will restore his “maximum pressure” campaign on Iran and drive its oil exports down to zero, a U.S. official said on Tuesday. Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz for traffic as a retaliation for Western pressure. That would shut down the region’s…
Trump in no Hurry to Talk to Xi
February 4, 2025 © freshidea / Adobe Stock U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he is in no hurry to speak to Chinese President Xi Jinping to try to defuse a new trade war between the world’s two largest economies sparked by his sweeping 10% tariffs on all Chinese imports. China imposed targeted tariffs…
Panama gives in as US pressure on Panama Canal intensifies
ID 61777801 © Rich Koele | Dreamstime.com By Charlie Bartlett technology editor 04/02/2025 Under increasing US pressure, Panama has elected not to renew its belt and road (BRI) deal with China and will also allow toll-free transits to American warships. Following the first overseas trip by US secretary of state Marco Rubio (above), Panama’s…
India pre-empts tariffs with import 'sweetener' for US cars and motorbikes
janfaukner By Angelo Mathais India correspondent 04/02/2025 Indian policymakers seem to be resigned to a potential rise in the cost of exporting to the US, in the wake of president Donald Trump’s tariff threats. Indeed, in a pre-emptive strategy, New Delhi has substantially slashed Indian import duties on high-end/luxury motorcycles and cars, in its…
Tariff truce for Canada and Mexico – China retaliates, but lightly
© Cammeraydave By Alex Lennane 04/02/2025 Donald Trump’s use of tariffs for leverage and ‘deal-making’ was proven yesterday when those to be imposed on Canada and Mexico today were postponed following security pledges from the US’s two neighbours. China, however, retaliated with a broad package of its own measures after 10% was added to…
Trump delays some tariffs for 30 days
Published on 04-02-2025 at 05:11 Donald Trump Shutterstock Trump postpones tariffs on Mexico and Canada, but new 10% tariff on China remains. After announcing 25% tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico, and a 10% tariff on energy imports from Canada would take effect on Tuesday, 4 February President Trump has given both countries…
STS cranes caught again in the middle of US-China tariff war
Published on 04-02-2025 at 16:46 ZPMC delivers STS cranes to Port Houston Port Houston The newly imposed blanket tariffs on Chinese imports will directly impact STS cranes as the US and China escalate their trade war. US ports face renewed financial headwinds with the latest 10% blanket tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on Chinese…
Are Panama and Trump on a collision course over the Canal?
US President Trump has threatened to take back control of the Panama Canal – can the two sides avoid battle for control of the key waterway? Marcus Hand, Michele Labrut February 4, 2025 US Secretary of State Rubio visits the Panama CanalCREDIT: OFFICIAL STATE DEPARTMENT PHOTO BY FREDDIE EVERETT The first weeks of the Trump…
Panama Drops China’s Belt and Road in Nod to U.S. Pressure
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio tours the Miraflores locks at the Panama Canal in Panama City, Feb. 2, 2025. Mark Schiefelbein/Pool via REUTERS Bloomberg February 3, 2025 By Simon Lewis and Michael Martina SAN SALVADOR/WASHINGTON, Feb 3 (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday welcomed Panama’s decision to let its participation in China’s…
Moody’s: Trump Tariffs Threaten Major Supply Chain Disruptions Across Key Industries
Photo: Shutterstock/Strikernia Bloomberg February 3, 2025 Global trade uncertainty is forcing U.S. companies to urgently reassess their supply chain strategies as new tariffs threaten major disruptions across multiple sectors. According to John Donigian, Moody’s Senior Director of Supply Chain Strategy, automotive manufacturers face particular challenges as tariffs on Canadian and Chinese auto parts are expected…
US delays tariffs on Mexico for one month as it starts negotiations
Photo: © Americanspirit By Alexander Whiteman 03/02/2025 UPDATED 2.2.25, 16.10 GMT to include tariff implementation delay The US has agreed to postpone tariffs on Mexico for one month, following a call with Mexico’s president Claudia Sheinbaum. In a post on social media, that revealed his transactional view of tariffs, Mr Trump said that Mexico…
Rubio Calls Chinese Presence at Panama Canal ‘Unacceptable’
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Panama Canal Authority Administrator Ricaurte Vasquez tour the Miraflores locks at the Panama Canal in Panama City Feb. 2, 2025. Mark Schiefelbein/Pool via REUTERS Bloomberg February 2, 2025 By Simon Lewis and Elida Moreno PANAMA CITY, Feb 2 (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday…
Rubio Pressures Panama over Chinese Businesses Near Canal
February 2, 2025 © searagen / Adobe Stock U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday warned Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino that Washington will “take measures necessary” if Panama does not immediately take steps to end what President Donald Trump sees as China’s influence and control over the Panama Canal. Mulino, after the talks…
Trump starts “the dumbest trade war in history”
Published on 03-02-2025 at 03:59 Approximately 1/4 of all trade between the US and Canada is trucked over the Ambassador Bridge between Detroit and Windsor. Ambassador Bridge The Trump Administration has imposed tariffs on the US’s three largest trading partners, kicking off a tariff war in the process. As promised the Trump Administration has imposed…
FEPORT: The EU plan for competitiveness
The long awaited EU Competitiveness Compass has been published, and it will certainly be extensively commented in the coming weeks. Beyond its content, we may already collectively appreciate the fact that competitiveness is high on the EU agenda. We also hope that the intentions will be followed by concrete actions. FEPORT welcomes that ports and…
Trump Vows Tariffs to Hit Saturday With More in Coming Months
U.S. President Donald Trump looks on, on the day he signs an executive order in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S., January 31, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Barria Bloomberg January 31, 2025 By Jennifer A. Dlouhy (Bloomberg) — President Donald Trump said he would impose tariffs on a wide range of imports, including oil…