Currently there are ongoing negotiations between the International Longshoreman Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. (USMX) which may halt operations due to a potential strike on October 1st. According to Supply Chain Dive News, in June the ILA canceled a planned meeting with USMX due to the use of automated truck... Read more »
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) contract that includes 3 dozen ports and 45,000 dockworkers, covering Maine to the Gulf of Mexico near Texas, is set to expire on September 30th. If the ILA and the U.S. Maritime Alliance cannot reach an agreement by this deadline, this would lead to a strike. This strike would... Read more »
In recent months, the container shipping industry has encountered a perfect storm of challenges, resulting in significant disruptions and increased costs for shippers worldwide. A confluence of factors, including ongoing Red Sea diversions, Asian port congestion, and sudden demand spikes, has created a volatile environment reminiscent of the tumultuous period experienced during the pandemic.... Read more »
For months, the news cycles and industry blogs have been filled with stories involving worldwide supply chain issues. Now it seems that for the first time in a while, we are seeing some progress being made and it’s coming from a predictably progressive source: California. With just two California ports handling roughly 40% of... Read more »
The petrochemical market is reacting to volatility and widespread price increases for the past few consecutive months, leaving many buyers wondering what the reasons are behind it. Companies are especially feeling this added pain just as manufacturing makes its attempt at recovery in the post-pandemic world. Simply stated, there are two primary factors driving these... Read more »
As concern about the spread of COVID-19, commonly known as the coronavirus, continue to develop in the U.S., many companies are beginning to look at the potential economic impacts of this virus on their businesses. What can you do to prepare? Here is what you need to know: Monitor your Supply Chain Closely Many producers... Read more »
Earlier this month, President Trump announced via Twitter that he will impose a 10% Tariff on all remaining imports from China. This escalation of the trade war is in response to the Chinese not keeping their promise to purchase U.S. agricultural products, as well as stop the sale of Fentanyl into the U.S. These tariffs... Read more »
Last September the Trump Administration enacted a 10% tariff on more than $200 billion worth of Chinese goods. Over the past weekend, President Trump announced via Twitter that the tariffs will be increased from 10% to 25% effective May 10, 2019. The increase had initially been slated to go into effect on January 1st, 2019... Read more »
On March 4th, the U.S. Trade office under the direction of President Trump, announced that it will be terminating the GSP (Generalized System of Preference) duty-free eligibility for India and Turkey. The GSP program is intended to help developing nations grow their economy through trade. The announcement cited the reason for termination as being that... Read more »
With everyone wanting to start the new year off on a good foot, port congestion on the west coast has been causing headaches for importers. The congestion at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach that started around the beginning of the holidays has only gotten worse with no clear end in sight. High... Read more »
