CMA CGM Announces Peak Season Surcharge Effective May 16, 2025

CMA CGM has announced a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) on Transpacific Eastbound lanes, effective May 16, 2025. The surcharge applies to cargo originating from Asia, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, and destined for the U.S. (excluding Hawaii) and Canada.   Surcharge Details: Origin: All Asia (including Far East) Destination: All U.S. Ports (excl. Hawaii)…

Understanding Tariffs: Their Role in Trade and Economy

Tariffs have long been one of the most hotly debated tools in global trade. They can serve as a lever for protecting domestic industries, as a source of revenue, and as a geopolitical weapon. In 2025, tariffs are once again dominating headlines, as President Donald Trump, now in his second term, imposes sweeping trade restrictions…

Trump’s Reciprocal Tariff Announcements on ‘Liberation Day’

On April 2, President Donald Trump unveiled a sweeping tariff policy that will affect nearly every U.S. trading partner. Under the new “reciprocal” tariff system, all imports into the U.S. will face a minimum 10% tariff starting April 5, with higher country-specific rates taking effect on April 9. These targeted rates are based on the trade imbalances and barriers each country imposes on U.S.…

Transport and Port Updates – February 2025

Overall This week, the Drewry composite index increased by 2%. Freight rates between various ports have shown diversity; rates from Rotterdam to New York decreased 2%. Rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles and  Shanghai to New York declined by 1%. Drewry expects spot rates to decrease slightly in the coming week due to the increase…

Understanding Trump’s America First Trade Policy: What It Means for Global Trade

On January 20th, President Donald Trump issued the America First Trade Policy, signaling a return to an aggressive stance on trade designed to prioritize American businesses, workers, and economic security. The policy builds on previous trade strategies from his first administration, with a renewed focus on reducing trade deficits, reshaping trade agreements, strengthening enforcement, and…

Trump Tariffs: RECIPROCAL TARIFFS, STEEL AND ALUMINUM DERIVATIVES LIST PUBLISHED

The latest: RECIPROCAL TARIFFS, STEEL AND ALUMINUM DERIVATIVES LIST PUBLISHED February 14, 2025 U.S. Announces Plan for Reciprocal Tariffs The U.S. government has announced a plan to impose reciprocal tariffs on countries that maintain higher tariffs on American goods or enforce non-tariff trade barriers. These barriers include phytosanitary measures, technical restrictions, export subsidies, weak IP…

Transport and Port Updates – January 2025

Overall This week, the Drewry composite index increased by 3%. Freight rates between various ports have shown diversity; rates from Rotterdam to New York remained stable. Rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles increased by 7% and Shanghai to New York rose by 6%. Drewry expects rates on the Transpacific trade to rise in the coming…

Global Trade Amid Tariffs, Strikes, and Geopolitical Conflict in 2025

As the world prepares for the Trump Administration, global trade finds itself navigating a storm of uncertainty. President-elect Donald Trump’s looming inauguration has reignited fears of a renewed trade war, leaving businesses and governments scrambling to assess the potential fallout from tariffs, port disruptions, and geopolitical instability. Trade Headwinds Loom Large The promise of widespread…