FMC launches anti-trust investigation into World Shipping Council
US shippers may not welcome FMC’s anti-trust investigation as Trump administration takes a more aggressive stance against shipping. Nick Savvides, Europe correspondent July 2, 2025 CREDIT: SENATE DEMOCRATS VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS In its latest apparent attack on ‘foreign shipping’ the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has launched an investigation into the US anti-trust regulations, a move…
New York/New Jersey holds firm in May as Trump advances China and Canada trade talks
Published on 30-06-2025 at 08:29 Port of New York Shutterstock Trade talks continue as the U.S. and China agree on a framework to ease the shipment of rare earth minerals, while Canada withdraws its digital services tax to maintain stalled negotiations with Washington. US ports have reported mixed impacts on container volumes from trade tariffs,…
100-day warning for EU ETS deadline
24.06.2025 With only 100 days left until the September 30 EU ETS deadline, the Columbia Group has warned shipowners of serious risks. “Fines, access restrictions and reputational damage are imminent,” said Philippos Ioulianou, managing director of EmissionLink. By March, under 40% of companies had submitted verified emissions data. The scheme’s national implementation is…
EU-UK deal can reset trade deficit says Logistics UK
Published on 20-06-2025 at 06:51 Sunrise over Southampton. A new dawn for UK-EU trade relations is called for. DP World The UK’s trading relationships have suffered more than the EU’s following its exit from the trade bloc, according to business group Logistics UK. It says the country’s exports are down 23% from 2017 to 2024,…
Poland’s strategic maritime plan
Published on 19-06-2025 at 07:11 Port of Gdansk Port of Gdansk Authority Poland’s Government has announced a new strategic plan for the maritime sector that it believes will bolster security levels in the Baltic Sea region, enhance the economy’s shipping sector and boost cargo volumes through the country’s ports. Addressing the 11th International Maritime Congress…
EU proposes Black Sea security hub to counter Russian threats
THE EU plans to create a regional centre to boost Black Sea maritime security amid rising Russian threats, reports London’s Port Technology International. The proposed hub would enhance monitoring and intelligence sharing among Black Sea and EU nations. According to Reuters, the centre will collect and share real-time data on maritime and seabed infrastructure. The…
How to fund renewed US shipbuilding ambition?
The SHIPS for America Act and other measures to rebuild the US fleet leave open the question of where the money would come from. Barry Parker, New York Correspondent June 18, 2025 CREDIT: HANWHA PHILLY SHIPYARD The SHIPs Act took centre stage at Marine Money’s New York event this week reflecting the industry wide attention…
New Fees on Floating Garages Are Trump’s Latest Effort to Revive U.S. Shipbuilding
President Trump is targeting special foreign-made vessels called ro-ros, which transport vehicles, but the fees could raise the price of cars up to $300. Specialized ships that transport vehicles, known as roll-on, roll-off vessels, or ro-ros, have long been a crucial part of global supply chains.Credit…George Etheredge for The New York Times By Peter Eavis…
China issues rare earth permits to US automotive suppliers
CHINA has granted export licences to rare-earth suppliers of the top three US automakers, according to two sources familiar with the matter, reports Reuters. At least some of the licences are valid for six months, the two sources said, declining to be named because the information is not public. It was not immediately clear what…
USTR port fees fail to deter new ship orders at Chinese yards
Nearly half of all newbuildings in tonnage terms ordered since the initial USTR proposals have been contracted with Chinese shipyards. Marcus Hand, Editor June 10, 2025 U-Ming orders bulker pair in China in April this yearCREDIT: CSSC A global shipbuilding report by HSBC Global Research highlighted that a significant volume of orders continued to be…
Pentagon Calls Shipbuilding a Top Priority, But Congress Says Budget Falls Short
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on U.S. President Donald Trump’s budget request for the Department of Defense, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 11, 2025. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz Mike Schuler June 11, 2025 The Department of Defense has placed shipbuilding at the heart of its FY2026 strategy,…
Cautious Optimism on US, China Tariff Truce
By Kate Holton, Alistair Smout and Andrea Shalal June 11, 2025 Copyright Dilok/AdobeStock U.S. and Chinese officials said on Tuesday they had agreed on a framework to get their trade truce back on track and remove China’s export restrictions on rare earths while offering little sign of a durable resolution to longstanding trade tensions. At…
US firms pushing tariff costs onto China suppliers
AMERICAN retail giants are demanding their Chinese suppliers shoulder 50 to 66 per cent of the cost of US import duties, reports Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post. US retailers have been locked in talks with Chinese producers for weeks over how to handle the additional costs caused by the trade war, with the firms…
Congress Passes Maritime Security and Cargo Preference Bills to Bolster U.S. Ports and Fleet
FILE PHOTO: A person walks near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., May 19, 2025. REUTERS/Nathan Howard/File Photo Mike Schuler Total Views: 0 June 9, 2025 The U.S. House of Representatives today passed a package of nine transportation-related bills, including several aimed at enhancing maritime supply chain security, reinforcing the U.S. flag fleet, and cracking…
USTR proposes changes to car carrier fees
Published on 09-06-2025 at 11:43 Shutterstock With the public comment period underway, the USTR appears poised to roll back its contentious port fee plan targeting all foreign-built vehicle carriers. The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has proposed changes to its Section 301 trade action that would impose port fees on all foreign-built…
BIMCO drafts standard clause in response to USTR tariffs
Published on 05-06-2025 at 09:33 Illustration Shutterstock BIMCO is drafting a contract clause to address legal issues from new US fees on China-linked vessels calling at US ports. The Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) has begun drafting a standard contractual clause to address legal uncertainties arising from new measures announced by the United States…
Hapag-Lloyd CEO: China–US bookings more than doubled since tariff pause
Published on 04-06-2025 at 09:32 Hapag-Lloyd vessel Tokyo Express at the Manila International Container Terminal ICTSI With China-US bookings more than doubled in recent weeks following a pause in tariffs, the demand is now outpacing available vessel capacity and driving up short-term rates. Hapag-Lloyd CEO Rolf Habben Jansen said bookings between China and the United…
Rotterdam port sector calls for swift cabinet appointment after Dutch govt collapse
Published on 03-06-2025 at 10:45 Geert Wilders (PVV) in an interview during the Plenary Debate at the Tweede Kamer on June 4, 2024 in Den Haag, Netherlands Deltalinqs, the organisation representing all companies operating in the Port of Rotterdam, has called for a swift formation of a new cabinet following the collapse of the Dutch…
A new course direction for the Federal Maritime Commission
The US regulatory body covering liner shipping is undertaking an investigation into flag-state practices. Barry Parker, New York Correspondent May 30, 2025 Louis Sola chair of the FMCCREDIT: FMC The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), is well known for its regulations concerning liner shipping, most recently enforcement of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA), enacted in…
Court Battle Over Trump Tariffs Prolongs Shipper Uncertainty as Holiday Season Nears
A drone view shows a ship and containers at the Port of Santos, in Santos, Brazil April 3, 2025. REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli Reuters May 30, 2025 LOS ANGELES, May 29 (Reuters) – Importer uncertainty ahead of the vital holiday ocean shipping season remains high, the executive director of the busiest port in the U.S. said on Thursday, as…
Appeals court reinstates Trump tariffs 24 hours after CIT ruling struck them down
Published on 30-05-2025 at 09:35 Shutterstock The legal tug-of-war over Donald Trump’s tariffs escalated on Thursday, as a federal appeals court temporarily reinstated the duties, just a day after a lower court had struck them down. The US Court of Appeals granted an emergency request from Trump’s legal team to pause a ruling issued Wednesday…
Trump’s Tariffs Back On After Appeals Court Grants Stay
FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump holds a chart next to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick as Trump delivers remarks on tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 2, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File Photo Reuters May 29, 2025 By Dietrich Knauth, Sarah Marsh May 29 (Reuters) – A…
America’s difficult path to resurrect its shipyards
Sam ChambersMay 29, 2025 Philly Shipyard Philly Shipyard Donald Trump’s bid to resurrect American shipbuilding faces some stern demographic challenges. The American president has made shipbuilding a central plank of his industrial policies since returning to power in January. However, the maths behind having 250 US-built ships in 10 years’ time look daunting. A new…
U.S. Maritime Power in Decline: New Report Reveals Critical National Security Risks
Henry J. Kaiser-class underway replenishment oiler USNS Yukon (T-AO-202, right, conducts a consolidated loading with commercial tanker MT Empire State. (U.S. Navy photo by Patrick W. Menah Jr.) Mike Schuler May 28, 2025 A new report released today by the Open Markets Institute paints a dire picture of America’s diminishing maritime capabilities, highlighting unprecedented risks…
Trump extends EU tariff suspension to July 9
Published on 26-05-2025 at 08:21 United States President Donald Trump in Washington DC. Shutterstock Trump has granted the European Union an extension until July 9 to reach a trade deal, delaying a planned 50% tariff. US President Donald Trump said on Sunday he has agreed to extend a suspension of a planned 50% tariff on…
Trump Says US Wants To Make Tanks And Ships, Not T-Shirts
Photo of Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje Shipyard in South Korea, which recently obtained the Master Ship Repair Agreement. Photo via Hanwha Ocean Reuters May 25, 2025 MORRISTOWN, New Jersey, May 25 (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday his tariff policy was aimed at promoting the domestic manufacturing of tanks and technology products, not sneakers and T-shirts. Speaking…
Tariffs stall US importers, small businesses warn of bankruptcy
A survey of small-to-medium US importers finds that only 6% have altered sourcing patterns despite the “mayhem” being caused by tariffs. Marcus Hand, Editor May 23, 2025 CREDIT: PIXABAY A survey of over 100 small-to-medium sized US businesses by Freightos found that the 90-day pause on tariffs on countries apart from China, and 180-day reduction…
Markets Rattle as Trump Escalates Trade Threats Against EU, Apple
Port of Rotterdam. Shutterstock/nattanan726 Reuters May 23, 2025 By Philip Blenkinsop, David Lawder and Stephanie van den Berg BRUSSELS/BANFF, Canada/THE HAGUE, May 23 (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump threatened on Friday to ratchet up his trade war once again, pushing for a 50% tariff on European Union goods starting June 1 and warning Apple…
PMA: Panama-Flagged Vessels Must Notify of Ship-to-Ship Transfers
May 23, 2025 © Adobe Stock/alexandermils Panama’s Maritime Authority said on Friday it will reinforce controls for ship-to-ship operations by Panama-flagged vessels, following an increase in the use of “dark-fleet” tankers to skirt sanctions or evade environmental requirements. The U.S. has increased pressure on countries with large vessel registries to help enforce sanctions, including Panama, which gives…
Wallenius Wilhelmsen urges USTR to scrap port fees on vehicle carriers
Published on 23-05-2025 at 12:18 Wallenius Wilhelmsen Wallenius Wilhelmsen said the Annex III port fees overstep USTR’s authority under Section 301 by penalising carriers built in countries not implicated in reported trade violations. Norwegian shipping company Wallenius Wilhelmsen has called on the US Trade Representative (USTR) to “immediately withdraw” Annex III of its proposed Section…
US ports hit out at proposed 100% tariff on China-built ship-to-shore cranes
Terminal operators say USTR recommended tariffs on Chinese port cranes will not create new domestic production capacity out of thin air and and will result in sharply increased costs. Barry Parker, New York Correspondent May 22, 2025 Cranes built by ZMPC arriving in Sri Lanka’s port of Colombo last monthCREDIT: ZPMC Ship to shore (STS)…
Legal challenges for tariffs and de minimis, as EU eyes new ecommerce rules
© Lim Seng Kui | By Alex Lennane 22/05/2025 Tariffs and ecommerce are in the legal spotlight on both sides of the Atlantic. A US autoparts retailer has filed a lawsuit in the Court of International Trade, arguing that ending the de minimis exemption is unlawful, and should be reversed. The retailer said the…
Call to repeal European sustainability directive in US-led 'business-first' world
© Sarayut Thaneerat By Alexander Whiteman 21/05/2025 Supply chain leaders have given a mixed response to France and Germany’s calls to abolish the EU Corporate and Sustainability Due Diligence directive (CSDD). Coming hot on the heels of newly elected German chancellor Friedrich Merz’s demand for the CSDD’s “complete repeal” this month, French president Emmanuel…
AAPA continuing opposition to proposed tariffs on Chinese STS cranes
Published on 21-05-2025 at 08:53 Illustration Shutterstock The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) is continuing its opposition to the proposed 100% tariff on Chinese-manufactured STS cranes, put forward by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the Trump Administration. On 19 May, AAPA President and CEO Cary Davis testified at a…
LA port chief welcomes US-China trade truce but warns 30% tariff still too high
Published on 13-05-2025 at 09:04 Cosco Shipping Andes vessel docked at the Long Beach Container Terminal (LBCT) in the Port of Long Beach in 2023 Shutterstock Port of Los Angeles head Gene Seroka warned that the revised 30% tariff remains too steep to reverse declining cargo volumes, while industry analysts foresee a potential early peak…
US - China tariff deal receives mixed reactions
Financial institutions have given the announcement of a 115%, 90-day, reduction in tariffs between China and the US a mixed reception, with relief over the lowering of the import duties tempered with fears over what is coming down the track. Nick Savvides, Europe correspondent May 12, 2025 CREDIT: THE WHITE HOUSE In the latest twist…
US-China tariff deal – no rush to book Pacific cargo
Maritime industry experts are happy with the latest the slashing of US – China tariffs for 90 days but they warn “we are not out of the woods yet”. Nick Savvides, Europe correspondent May 12, 2025 File photo – Port of Los AngelesCREDIT: PORT OF LOS ANGELES Uncertainty has been the hallmark of Donald Trump’s…
Coast Guard Eases Reflag Rules to Bolster U.S. Flag Fleet
FILE PHOTO: a Port State Control inspection in Nine Mile Anchorage on the lower Mississippi River. U.S. Coast Guard Photo Mike Schuler May 12, 2025 The U.S. Coast Guard has announced significant changes to streamline the certification process for foreign vessels seeking to join the American Registry. The updated Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC)…
'Labour arbitrage' says union, but Trump mulls new US flag of convenience
© Ian Andreiev By Charlie Bartlett technology editor 12/05/2025 Renewed calls from the Centre for Ocean Policy and Economics (COPE) for a US Virgin Islands (USVI) flag, are under consideration by the Trump Administration. Functioning similarly to the function of the UK’s Gibraltar flag, allowing vessels – most of them yachts – to enjoy…
US and China slash tariffs in breakthrough trade deal
Published on 12-05-2025 at 08:48 U.S. President Donald Trump holds a press conference in the East Room of the White House/February 2025 After months of heightened tensions, the United States and China have reached a trade agreement, substantially reducing tariffs on each other’s goods in a bid to stabilise economic ties between the world’s two…
ZPMC: Proposed tariffs on Chinese STS cranes will result in “disruption and shutdown of US ports”
Published on 12-05-2025 at 08:12 Port Houston gets new STS cranes ahead of tariffs Port Houston ZPMC says that slapping additional 100% tariffs on Chinese STS cranes would cripple US ports, spike consumer prices and stall infrastructure projects. Chinese crane manufacturer ZPMC has warned that the proposed 100% tariffs on Chinese-made STS cranes, announced by…
Forwarders 'not excited' by UK trade deals with US and India
By Alexander Whiteman 09/05/2025 Trade deals agreed with India and the US this week have done little to shift market sentiment over the prospects for UK growth. Forwarders said they did not envision much of a shift in capacity between the UK and the two countries in the wake of the deals, the benefits…
Serious threat to jobs in US logistics as tariffs cause economic 'stagflation'
Photo: © Gvader Dreamstime.com By Ian Putzger Americas correspondent 09/05/2025 Employment in the US logistics sector changed course to cuts last month, and predictions envisage massive layoffs soon. Meanwhile, professionals at the top are in high demand, as companies look for leaders with expanded skill sets to navigate the ongoing volatility. UPS made headlines…
The British turn to charm to strike a trade deal with the US, but UK farmers are not overjoyed
Published on 09-05-2025 at 10:57 Feb 27, 2025: United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrives at the White House for a meeting with President Donald Trump Shutterstock The UK and US hailed a ‘historic’ trade deal, struck after a carefully staged British charm offensive, though analysts view it as a modest win driven more by…
UK's 'unfair' rules for hauliers carrying stowaways need 'urgent reform'
By Charlotte Goldstone 08/05/2025 The UK Road Haulage Association (RHA) and British International Freight Association (BIFA) have called on government to change “deeply unfair” rules relating to stowaways found on HGVs, as hauliers and forwarders are being hit with “additional costs, damage to vehicles, and delays”. A recent inspection by the chief inspector of…
US and China to hold trade talks in Geneva
Published on 07-05-2025 at 08:40 Secretary of the US Treasury Scott K.H. Bessent Shutterstock The talks are being announced as US Treasury Secretary Bessent confirmed in a congressional hearing that China remains the only major US trading partner not yet engaged in tariff negotiations. US Treasury Secretary Scott K.H. Bessent will meet with Chinese economic…
Trump claims Houthis have promised to cease attacks on Red Sea shipping
By Alexander Whiteman 06/05/2025 US president Donald Trump today claimed the Iran-backed Houthi militia has agreed to end its attacks on shipping transiting through the Red Sea. Speaking from the Oval Office alongside newly-elected Canadian prime minister Mark Carney, Trump said the news had just filtered through this morning (6 May, US time) and…
States Sue Over Trump’s Offshore Wind Pause
The first offshore wind turbine is installed at the South Fork Wind project offshore New York. Photo courtesy New York State Reuters May 5, 2025 By Nate Raymond BOSTON, May 5 (Reuters) – A coalition of Democratic state attorneys general sued on Monday in a bid to block President Donald Trump’s move to suspend leasing…
India bans Pakistani imports and ships
Published on 05-05-2025 at 14:42 Kerala, India Shutterstock Trade tensions escalated between India and Pakistan after New Delhi banned the entry of Pakistani goods and ships at its ports, prompting Islamabad to impose a reciprocal ban on Indian vessels. India has imposed a sweeping ban on the import and transit of goods from Pakistan and…
Trump’s Push For Deep-Sea Metals Clashes With UN Ocean Treaty
Polymetallic nodules are brought to the surface on board Allseas’ deepsea collection vessel ‘Hidden Gem’ as part of a test of a new nodule collection system in the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ) of the Pacific Ocean. Photo courtesy Allseas/The Metals Company Bloomberg May 4, 2025 By Todd Woody May 1, 2025 (Bloomberg) –President Donald Trump first…