This is a strong warning when importing goods made out of aluminum extrusions or containing parts that are made from an aluminum extrusion process. Aluminum extrusions are found in a range of products ranging from furniture to camping goods to auto parts to electronics. Importers need to closely examine the construction of their products to…
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance have reached a tentative agreement. The key point is that both sides have a tentative agreement on a wage increase. The port strike is suspended. The longshoremen will be returning back to work. Note that the agreement extends the current contract until January 15, 2025, giving the two…
There were a limited number of products subject to Section 301 China Tariff exclusions set to expire on May 31, 2024. The USTR decided to extend the exclusions for a limited number of products. Out of the 429 exclusions, only 164 were extended. Please see Annex C n the USTR publication. Note that ONLY products under Annex…
Back on May 28th of this year, the USTR announced potential increases to the Section 301 tariff for cartain products. After a four month commentary period, the USTR has made some modifications. Please read the most recent USTR publication carefully. 1.) The full list of items to received tariff increases is listed on Annex A (starts on…
On May 14, 2024, the USTR released its report summarizing the four-year review of the Section 301 tariff actions taken on imports from China. Following the release of the report, the USTR announced two proposed modifications to the Section 301 China Tariffs. 1.) Increasing the Section 301 tariff in a few key sectors: Battery parts (non-lithium-ion…
As expected, the dockworks at East and Gulf Coast ports began striking today. Their contract expired at midnight. This strike affects all ocean ports from Maine to Teaxs. The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have been attempting to negotiate a new contract for months. However reports seem to indicate that…
The current ILA (International Longshoremen’s Association) contract is set to expire on September 30, 2024. The latest news reports do not paint an optimistic picture that a contract will be signed by the expiration date. Both sides are currently blaming each other for the stalemate. The USMX (Maritime Alliance) is reporting that the ILA refuses to come to…
2023 was a welcome relief for most shippers. The massive congestion during the pandemic had subsided. It was a year of relative calm for most businesses shipping internationally. However, in the past few weeks, global shipping has been impacted by two major events: Red Sea Crisis Houthi rebels have been attacking vessels in the Red…