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Navigating a Dynamic Landscape in China and Southeast Asia

The evolving landscape in China and Southeast Asia, while presenting new complexities, also offers opportunities for IHA and IHSA members to adapt and succeed. This year's contract negotiations, although responses by carriers were later than usual, may provide valuable insights that could enhance our future strategies and lead our carriers toward a course correction. We…

Tariff and Tax Policy Developments: IEEPA and Higher Steel Tariffs

On May 28, 2025, the Court of International Trade (CIT) ruled unanimously to end President Trump’s International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs. The three-judge panel found IEEPA did not grant unbound authority to tax imports from nearly every country around the world. No president had tried to use 1977’s IEEPA for tariffs perhaps because it doesn’t mention…

Uncertainty Delays Signing of Annual Service Contracts

The ongoing trade war between Washington and Beijing, including decoupling tariff rates and USTR 301 increases in port fees and charges, is causing uncertainty and delaying the signing of annual service contracts between ocean carriers and importers, primarily in the eastbound trans-Pacific trade. When will we see a reduction in the tariffs with China? As Yogi Berra once…

USTR’s Final Actions on China Shipbuilding and Port Fees

On Feb. 21, 2025, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) requested comments on proposed actions under Sec. 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 to end China’s practices for global domination of the maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors. This culminated a year-long investigation that started when five labor unions petitioned USTR to probe China’s grip on shipping and…

IHA Tariff Webinar and New Reciprocal Tariffs

On March 27, the IHA Government Affairs team conducted the webinar, “Tariff Update from Washington, DC,” to provide basic information on President Trump’s tariffs. Executives from freight logistics services provider TQL Global, LLC, also provided their experience with the tariffs. The IHA webinar covered the 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada; 20% tariffs on China; 25% tariffs…

Rate Levels: Uncertainty

We've seen some interesting movements in ocean freight rates lately. It seems like carrier capacity control has been a bit lacking since the Chinese New Year, with a 14% year-over-year increase in capacity. To get those spot rates back in line, carriers are starting to blank/void sailings, which is something we're already observing. And hold onto your hats, because carriers…

U.S. Trade Actions Aimed at China’s Maritime Dominance: What It Means for Shippers

The U.S. government has proposed some major trade actions targeting China's dominance in the maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors. Both the Biden and Trump administrations have been investigating this issue, and now things are heating up. The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has proposed some hefty fees on Chinese-built vessels entering U.S. ports. They're also…

Status Report on Trump Tariffs

Since taking office on Jan. 20, President Trump has issued tariffs for different countries and different products. Further confusing matters are the various starting dates and rates for the tariffs and the statutes by which President Trump can impose such tariffs. Following is a brief inventory of President Trump’s tariff announcements with the rates and starting dates and…

Contract vs. Spot Rates: Which Will Win in 2025-26?

As we head into 2025-26, the question on some shipper's mind is: contract or spot rates? While spot rates might seem tempting with their short-term savings, history shows that contract rates are the true winners of the long-term race. Don't be fooled by the lure of a few dollars saved today, as it could lead to millions lost down the road. Why Contract Rates Reign…