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IHA’s blog features informative posts written to keep the housewares industry educated and informed about key strategic issues and IHA member services.

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…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – May

April 30 – Import Gains Ahead of Tariffs Contributed to GDP Decline in Q1 The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported real gross domestic product decreased at an annual rate of 0.3% in 2025’s first quarter. From: HomePage News Burlington on Lease-Buying Spree — to Assume 45 Joann Leases Burlington will take over the leases, which are for stores across the country,…

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. Retail Intelligence – April

March 31 – Williams-Sonoma Says Tariffs Present Opportunity Supply chain efficiencies and moving sourcing away from China are giving the home goods retailer a leg up. From: Supply Chain Dive March 31 – Numerator: Target’s Urban Growth Narrows the Gap with Suburban Shoppers The market researcher reported that 68% of Target customers are homeowners, with 39%…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – March

February 28 – Consumers Cautious of AI Amid Growing E-Commerce Integration 39% of consumers said they have abandoned purchases while shopping due to frustrating AI interactions, such as inaccurate recommendations or poor chatbot interactions. From: HomePage News February 28 – QVC Extends Rawlinson as CEO While Posting Non-Cash Q4 Loss The new employment agreement with…

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…