As of May 27, 2020, the United States Trade Representatives (USTR) has published 32 rounds of Section 301 exclusions covering Lists 1, 2, 3 and 4a products. The exclusions include more than 2,000 possible items that, if produced in Mainland China and imported into the United States, may be eligible for an exclusion from the […]

Understanding the challenges importers were facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 20, 2020, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS) message 42097586, requesting case by case need for additional days for payment of estimated duties, taxes and fees. Today, CBP has notified the trade community that they […]

With the Coronavirus upon us, global demand for supplies used to treat and help protect people, such as face masks and respirators, is currently exceeding supply. Fortunately, many manufacturers around the world have ramped up production to help get supplies where they are most needed. Importing these products is not simple! Here’s what you need […]

On Friday, February 14th, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) revealed additional modifications to the Section 301 tariffs on approximately $7.5 billion worth of European Union (EU) products that originally went into effect on October 18th, 2019. The USTR will publish a notice in the Federal Register advising importers to prepare for the imposition of 25% […]

After an investigation into a confirmed case of COVID-19 at the Port of Houston, we have confirmed that the Bayport and Barbours Cut Terminals will reopen tonight, Thursday, March 19, 2020, effective 7:00 PM. Terminal, gate and vessel operations are scheduled to be fully operational effective tomorrow, Friday, March 20, at 7:00 AM. Despite the brief […]

As you may have heard over the weekend, UK and Ireland have been added to the Coronavirus travel ban.  As a result, shippers should expect several things: More flight cancellations starting this week (March 16) through April. Suspended airline tariff rates by many air carriers in favor of quoting ad-hoc. Virus screening ability at 13 […]

On Friday, March 13, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced that just 11 (eleven) exclusions from the second round of Section 301 tariff exclusions on List 1 goods will be granted extensions. As the exclusions for the second round of List 1 goods were set to expire on March 25, 2020, this […]

Dear Valued Customers, Firstly, our hearts go out to the many victims of the COVID-19 pandemic.   We are quite sure that the global news may worsen in the coming weeks and months and we hope you, your families, and your companies remain safe. Unlike the Hanjin collapse or the Maersk-Damco cyberattack, we did have some […]

Today, March 13th, 2020, Canada’s House of Commons unanimously voted to adopt the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) – known in Canada as CUSMA. It was then approved by the Senate less than an hour later, before Canadian legislators enter a brief recess until April 20th due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Already passed by Mexico and […]

On Thursday, March 12th, American Airlines announced it would be suspending flights to the 26 newly restricted European countries within the Schengen Area beginning next week (March 14th – 19th) until May 7th or June 4th, depending on the lane.  American also announced that they will be delaying the start of their seasonal Rome service, […]

As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) officially enters pandemic status this week, President Trump announced a 30-day ban on all passenger air travel from Europe to the U.S. beginning Friday, March 13th at 11:59 PM (EDT). According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), any foreign nationals traveling within or from the 26 European states that […]

Per our previous Shap Flash, President Trump authorized the U.S. to impose an additional 25% tariff on certain steel products — and an additional 10% tariff on certain aluminum products — in response to the lack of positive results from existing 232 tariffs. The U.S. Department of Commerce has now released an official list of […]