The latest September 1–14 FAK rates provide another important signal for the Trans-Pacific shipping market: Freight rates are still moving upward. After a sharp correction in July, rates have recovered rapidly through August and are now reaching even higher levels in early September. The Numbers Tell the Story Looking at
The EU’s new customs rules are starting to show their impact. Since July 1, 2026, the EU has removed the €150 customs-duty exemption for low-value imports. Small parcels entering the EU are now subject to a temporary €3 customs duty per item category. Early data from France suggests that imports
President Donald Trump has repeatedly argued that more iPhones should be made in the United States. At first glance, the idea sounds straightforward: if tariffs make overseas manufacturing more expensive, companies such as Apple will have a stronger incentive to bring production back to America. But there is a fundamental
The U.S.-China trade relationship may be facing another tariff adjustment. According to recent reports, the Trump administration is preparing to impose an additional 7.5% tariff on Chinese goods, citing concerns over China's structural excess manufacturing capacity. If implemented, the additional duty would bring the relevant U.S. tariff level on Chinese
You got a freight quote. It looks good. Then the final bill arrives… And suddenly, the shipment costs much more than expected. Why? Because the freight rate is often not the entire shipping cost. Here are 5 costs importers should watch for: Destination Charges Terminal handling, documentation, destination handling, and
The global shipping industry is entering a period of major change. Geopolitical tensions, disruptions around traditional maritime routes, and growing pressure to make supply chains faster and more resilient are forcing companies to reconsider how goods move around the world. Against this backdrop, a new development is attracting significant attention:
For years, Chinese manufacturers exporting to Europe have focused on product quality, pricing, certifications, customs clearance, and delivery times. Now, another question is becoming increasingly important: Can you prove how your products were made? Europe is tightening supply-chain compliance, and labor practices are moving closer to the center of trade
Shipping from China can look simple: Find a supplier → place an order → wait for production → book a shipment. But international shipping involves much more than moving cargo from one country to another. Before your goods leave the factory, there are several questions you should answer. Asking the
