Tariff Talk Thursday is Back!
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Tariff Talk Thursday is Back!
Visit our Events page for details or register here.
FEBRUARY 2025
This month’s OCEANAIR Currents highlighted key industry shifts shaping global logistics. The new additional 10% tariff on most goods from China and Hong Kong is adding complexity for importers, requiring adjustments in sourcing and compliance. At the same time, increased CBP and PGA examination times are further slowing supply chain operations. In ocean freight, MSC launched a new direct Southeast Asia-to-Boston service, improving transit options with published transit times ranging from 37 to 45 days. Meanwhile, U.S. truckload carriers are responding to prolonged market challenges by shifting more trucks and drivers to dedicated fleets, providing shippers with greater reliability and more stable capacity. OCEANAIR remains committed to keeping clients informed as these changes unfold.
March is shaping up to be a busy month for trade, with new and revised tariffs taking effect and key reports due to the President that could significantly impact de minimis thresholds, export controls, reciprocal duties, and more. Here are the critical dates to keep on your radar:
March 4: IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) tariffs are set to take effect at 25% for Canada and Mexico. Additionally, recent White House briefings indicate that the 10% tariff on China will double to 20%.
March 12: Steel and aluminum tariffs are scheduled to take effect globally at 25% on covered steel, aluminum, and certain derivative products. Products previously subject to lower Section 232 tariffs will also increase to 25%, with the expiration of exemptions and alternative arrangements for several countries, including EU nations, South Korea, Canada, and Brazil. Guidance is still pending on tariff calculations for specific derivatives, though the proclamations state that tariffs on certain derivative products will apply only to the value of their steel and/or aluminum content.
End of Month: Several key executive orders require agency reports and guidance beginning April 1 and continuing throughout the month. These are expected to help define the next phase of the President’s America First Trade Policy. The pause on changes to low-value shipments remains in effect as the government finalizes a process to apply new tariffs and partner agency requirements to de minimis shipments valued under $800. Additionally, further details are anticipated regarding the proposed establishment and structure of an External Revenue Service (ERS).
As these tariff changes take effect, OCEANAIR will continue to monitor updates, assess foreign trading partners’ reactions, and analyze how these developments may impact U.S. shipments.
Northern European Port Congestion & Strike Actions
French Ports: Strike actions continue across all French ports, including Le Havre, with 4-hour stoppages occurring two to three times per week (this week: February 18 and 20). An additional 24-hour strike is scheduled for February 21, followed by a 48-hour strike on February 26–27. For Week 09, further 4-hour stoppages are planned for February 24, 26, and 28.
GMP Terminal: Yard utilization remains high at 85–90%, driven by strong vessel demand and ongoing strikes that have resulted in truck gate closures. Reefer capacity is also strained, with utilization at 75–80%. A busy vessel schedule at GMP has led to minor vessel bunching, which is expected to continue over the upcoming weekend.
CNMP Terminal: Yard utilization is at 50–55%, with reefer capacity also at 50–55%.
Delta II Terminal Update
A collective labor agreement dispute between the terminal operator and the union has led to strike actions and slowdowns, with no clear timeline for resolution. While vessel operations continue, further disruptions cannot be ruled out.
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