Three trade agreements, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (JEEPA) have all moved forward in negotiations and/or ratification in recent weeks.
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Over the last several weeks, the ocean carrier alliances have announced a number of changes to their Asia to U.S.A. ocean services. Changes such as removing entire service strings, implementing void sailing programs, and combining service strings (which effectively removes one or more service loops), are now being implemented. These changes suggest that the carriers are seeking solutions to deal with rising bunker costs, ongoing supply overcapacity in the Asia to U.S.A. trade, concerns over the U.S.A. / China trade tensions, and the ultimate effect on future demand in the market.
On Tuesday, July 10, 2018, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) released the proposed list of Chinese products that could be subject to an additional 10 percent tariff, a proposed modification to the earlier actions taken in the U.S. Section 301 investigation of the acts, policies, and practices of the Government of China related to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation.
Source: Institute for Supply Management
Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in June, and the overall economy grew for the 110th consecutive month, say the nation’s supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business®.
Source: National Retail Federation
Driven by increasing consumer demand and rising retail sales, imports at the nation’s major retail container ports are expected to set a new record this month even though new tariffs on goods from China just took effect, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.
“Retailers cannot easily or quickly change their global supply chains, so imports from China and elsewhere are expected to continue to grow for the foreseeable future,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “As tariffs begin to hit imported consumer goods or the parts and equipment needed to produce U.S. goods, these hidden taxes will mean higher prices for Americans rather than significant changes to international trade.”
On Friday, July 6, 2018, the effective date of the new U.S. Section 301 tariffs, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) published the procedure on how companies can request exclusion from the tariffs on specific products from China.
July 6, 2018 marks the effective date of the U.S. Section 301 25% duties on imports of Chinese-made products included in this list: Chinese Line Items. U.S. importers should be aware that they may need to increase their bond amounts to address the increase in duties on these specific imported goods.
During the month of June 2018, MIQ Logistics was involved in a number of events throughout the logistics industry. Read MIQ in the news, regulatory updates, industry updates, services offered by MIQ, and events that will be taking place in the June 2018 logistics link.
The following announced levels from carriers are for upcoming General Rate Increases (GRI) and Peak Season Surcharges (PSS). Additionally, you will find Bunker Fuel Levels and the Low Sulphur Levels for the 3rd quarter of 2018.
Ocean carriers worldwide have announced Emergency Bunker Surcharges (EBS), citing significant increases in bunker prices since the beginning of the year. Bunker refers to the fuel that powers the vessels and represents a significant portion of the carriers’ cost. To offset their increased bunker costs, carriers will apply the following surcharges to all cargo shipping to and from North America, effective July 1, 2018:
| LCL | 20′ DV | 40′ DV / HC | 45′ DV |
| $3 USD W/M | $60 USD | $120 USD | $120 USD |
MIQ Logistics will continue to monitor the market to mitigate the surcharges and ensure our customers receive the most competitive rates and consistent quality service.
For further information, please contact your local MIQ Logistics representative.