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May 2025

   
   

Industry News

Port Djibouti

Norfolk Southern to drop international intermodal service on many USEC lanes

Norfolk Southern Railway (NS) will end international intermodal service on over 20 East Coast routes effective May 31, due to low container volumes. Key routes impacted include the Port of Virginia to Memphis and Chicago to Jacksonville. While the Virginia–Memphis service launched in March 2023 with high expectations, it failed to attract consistent demand, as shippers preferred alternatives in Charleston and Savannah. NS stated that reallocating resources will strengthen its broader network and allow for future reinstatement if volumes increase. The Chicago–Jacksonville cancellation will affect shipments to Puerto Rico, though CSX will continue offering service on that corridor. NS will maintain domestic intermodal trains on select lanes and shift its Norfolk Portlock Yard to focus solely on domestic operations. Other discontinued routes carried minimal international freight, such as Atlanta–Chicago and Charleston–Huntsville, with service continuing through Savannah. Read more

     
Port of Long Beach

Uneasy West Coast ports watch as first signs of trade dispute with China emerge

West Coast ports are preparing for a significant decline in imports as early signs of a trade dispute with China begin to impact shipping activity. The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach—America’s busiest trade gateway—expect import volumes in May to fall by 35% and 38%, respectively, due to a wave of canceled sailings and underloaded vessels from China. From May through June, 59 blank sailings are scheduled across both ports, equating to 65,000 to 71,000 fewer containers arriving weekly. Other terminals along the coast, including Oakland and the Northwest Seaport Alliance of Seattle and Tacoma, also report increased blank sailings and reduced cargo volumes, with canceled orders particularly affecting shipments from China. While terminal operators are adjusting operations by scaling back gate hours, longshore workers remain protected from layoffs due to existing contracts. Still, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union sharply criticized the U.S. administration’s tariff policies, warning that disrupted trade between the U.S. and China could threaten jobs tied to the global supply chain. Meanwhile, the Port of Vancouver remains stable, as most of its container traffic is tied to Canadian trade and unaffected by U.S. tariffs. Read more

     
Port of Hamburg

Several events behind port congestion in Northern Europe

Northern Europe’s key ports are facing significant congestion due to new shipping alliances, labor strikes, and strained infrastructure. Major terminals in Bremerhaven, Rotterdam, Felixstowe, and Antwerp-Bruges have experienced delays, with Antwerp-Bruges nearly halting operations during a week-long April strike. Earlier labor disputes in Rotterdam and Le Havre over automation continue to impact schedules. UK ports such as Felixstowe and Southampton are also under pressure from rerouted vessels tied to shifting trade patterns, including changes from the Maersk-Hapag-Lloyd Gemini Cooperation. Heavy rainfall, landslides, and droughts have disrupted inland waterway traffic, particularly on the Rhine, compounding the issue. Transport Intelligence notes that this ongoing fragmentation of logistics is prompting greater reliance on intermodal solutions and long-term infrastructure adaptations. Read more

     

DOT Reinstates English Proficiency Standards to Strengthen Commercial Driver Safety

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced new steps to enforce English language proficiency (ELP) requirements for commercial drivers, following an Executive Order signed by President Trump to strengthen road safety and uphold federal driver qualification standards. The order directs the reversal of 2016 guidance that limited enforcement of ELP rules, even though federal regulations require drivers to read and speak English to safely operate commercial vehicles. Inadequate English proficiency has been linked to serious accidents, including fatal crashes where drivers failed to understand road signs or communicate with authorities. The Department will issue updated guidance to ensure that drivers who do not meet ELP standards are placed out of service and will review non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses for irregularities. These actions reinforce the importance of clear communication on U.S. roadways, help reduce the risk of accidents, and ensure all commercial drivers meet established safety requirements. Read more

     

Suez Canal offers discount in bid to lure boxships back

The Suez Canal Authority announced a 15% discount on transit fees for containerships with capacities of approximately 13,500 TEU and above, effective for the next three months. The authority responded to requests from shipowners and acknowledged recent improvements in security across the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait. Over the past year, canal revenues dropped sharply as many carriers rerouted to avoid Houthi-led attacks on commercial vessels linked to the conflict involving Hamas and Israel. Although U.S. President Donald Trump and Omani negotiators reported progress toward a ceasefire, the Houthis continue to launch missiles, raising concerns about the region’s stability. Major carriers, including Maersk, refuse to resume Red Sea transits without clear and lasting security guarantees. Analysts report that vessel diversions have reduced global container capacity by 11–12%, which now supports tighter market conditions and helps sustain freight rates. Read more

     
   

Customs Brokerage News

US China Trade Agrement

US - China Trade Agreement

On May 12, 2025, following trade discussions in Geneva, the U.S. and China announced a coordinated plan to begin de-escalating tariffs effective May 14. Both countries agreed to ease trade tensions and promote cooperation. Below is a clear breakdown of the tariff changes announced:


China's Tariff Changes:

  • Remove all retaliatory tariffs imposed on U.S. goods since April 4, 2025.
  • Suspend or remove all non-tariff countermeasures implemented since April 2, 2025.
  • Suspend the 34% tariff announced on April 4 for 90 days.
  • Maintain a 10% tariff during the 90-day suspension period.

U.S. Tariff Changes:

  • Remove additional tariffs imposed on Chinese goods on April 8 and April 9, 2025.
  • Retain all tariffs imposed prior to April 2, 2025, including:
    • Section 301 tariffs (intellectual property-related)
    • Section 232 tariffs (national security-related)
    • Tariffs tied to the fentanyl national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act
    • Most Favored Nation (MFN) duties
  • Suspend the 34% tariff imposed on April 2 for 90 days.
  • Maintain a 10% tariff during the 90-day suspension period to support domestic industry and labor.

No CSMS or Federal Register Notice has been released to date, so the application of these changes to in-transit or landed shipments remains unclear. To view the official fact sheet for the most current details until further regulatory guidance is issued, visit White House Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Secures a Historic Trade Win for the United States


UK - US Agree on Trade Deal

US and UK Sign Historic Trade Deal on WWII Victory Day

President Donald Trump recently announced that the United States and the United Kingdom have reached a trade agreement. While full details are still to be published and released, the White House has released a fact sheet that outlines the changes expected to reshape the trade relations between the two countries. The fact sheet states the following changes:

  1. Agricultural Exports: Opens $5 billion in new market opportunities for U.S. farmers and producers, including $700M in ethanol exports and $250M in other agricultural products, like beef and other goods.
  2. Aerospace & Pharma: Secures supply chains for U.S. aerospace and pharmaceutical sectors through improved UK access.
  3. Non-Tariff Barriers: The UK will reduce or eliminate restrictions that have historically limited U.S. agricultural exports.
  4. Reciprocal Tariff: The reciprocal tariff rate of 10% as originally announced is still in effect.
  5. Autos: First 100,000 UK vehicles imported to the U.S. annually face a 10% tariff; amounts above that will be taxed at 25%.
  6. Steel & Aluminum: Section 232 tariffs will be reconsidered based on UK reforms.
  7. Customs & Procurement: Streamlines export procedures and closes gaps in access to UK public procurement opportunities.
  8. Trade Standards: Both nations commit to stronger protections around labor, intellectual property, and the environment.

To read the full fact sheet, visit White House Fact Sheet: U.S.-UK Reach Historic Trade Deal

     

Importers Face Bond Insufficiency, Compliance Hurdles Amid New Tariffs, Brokers Say

Containers at Port with Cranes in the back

New tariffs are creating significant challenges for importers and customs brokers, particularly regarding bond sufficiency and increased regulatory oversight. As tariffs accumulate, importer bonds may become insufficient, resulting in greater liability exposure for sureties and stricter underwriting requirements, such as requests for financial statements and higher collateral. It is important for both brokers and importers to understand how the customs bond limit formula works and to recognize that bond saturation is not tied to the bond period. Since Customs and Border Protection (CBP) only assesses duties already paid, importers must forecast their future duty exposure to maintain compliance. Additionally, an increase in CBP’s issuance of Customs Forms 28 (Requests for Information) and 29 (Notices of Action) is expected, especially in cases where importers change origin declarations or trade program indicators in response to new tariffs. To avoid delays or missed deadlines, shippers should actively monitor their ACE accounts or enroll in ACE to receive Customs notices promptly and ensure timely responses to any CBP requests. Read more

     
   

Eastern News

Podium Presentation

Eastern Racing Secures Podium Finish in Miami to Conclude Concours Cup Season 2 Round 7

Eastern Racing closed out Season 2 of the Concours Cup with a strong performance at Round 7, held on April 19 at the Concours Club in Miami. Eric Wagner, President and CEO of Eastern Shipping Worldwide, impressed during qualifying by securing 4th place on the starting grid and went on to claim 3rd place in the feature race. The final race day included competitive time trials, a grid walk, and a fast-paced feature event where Wagner showcased skill and consistency against a talented field. Sharing the podium with Miguel Marcano Jr. (2nd) and Helio Castroneves (1st), Wagner’s result marked a proud achievement for Eastern Racing and a successful conclusion to their second season in the Concours Cup. To view the full Round 7 Livestream, visit: Concours Cup  Season 2 - Round 7 Live Stream

     

Eastern Shipping Worldwide Opens Canada Office in Toronto

Eastern Shipping Worldwide is excited to announce the official opening of its new office in Toronto, Ontario, following the March 2024 announcement of its expansion into Canada. This new location strengthens Eastern’s North American presence and reflects the company’s commitment to supporting clients with localized, end-to-end logistics solutions including ocean, air, land, and intermodal transport, as well as customs brokerage.


Located at 4750 Yonge St., Suite 324, the office sits on the third floor of a commercial building at Yonge Street and Sheppard Avenue—one of Toronto’s busiest business hubs. The building is a recognizable green landmark, situated directly above the Sheppard-Yonge subway station (Line 1) and across from a GO Bus terminal with direct service to Toronto Pearson International Airport, just 15 minutes away. With immediate access to Highway 401, and surrounded by shopping centers, major banks, government services, and Yorkdale Mall just minutes away, the location offers unmatched connectivity and convenience.


Eastern’s Canada team is fully operational and ready to serve both regional and cross-border clients. This strategic expansion is another step in Eastern’s global growth, delivering the reliable, responsive, and personalized service clients expect across all locations.


For inquiries or more information, contact:
Moe Yousefi or Fernando Mantilla
877.292.5874

     
   
   
   

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