Featured

Navigating the Tides: Understanding Ocean Container Costs and Future Outlook

by Craig Akers, IHSA For businesses reliant on global supply chains, understanding ocean container costs is vital. At International Housewares Shipper's Association (IHSA), we empower our members with insights into the multifaceted factors that drive these dynamic rates. It's far more than a flat fee; it's a blend of core charges and volatile surcharges influenced by global…

Navigating “China Plus One”

The "China Plus One" program is a business strategy, originally adopted by multinational corporations to diversify their supply chains and manufacturing operations beyond China, while still maintaining a presence in the country. It's essentially about not putting all your eggs in one basket, particularly when that basket is China. Where Did It Originate? The concept of…

Six Month Review of Trump 2.0 Policies

Several policy initiatives in the first months of the Trump Administration have caused economic uncertainty affecting businesses. Some have reached closure like the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R 1), which is a positive for IHA members, but tariffs continue to be a thorny issue. The velocity of tariffs imposed by President Trump on nearly all countries has obviously caused…

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…