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The News You Need

The global shipping industry is experiencing significant turbulence, with ocean freight rates climbing and a persistent container imbalance creating challenges for businesses on the West Coast. At Coppersmith Global Logistics, we understand the complexities of these issues and are committed to providing our clients with effective solutions to manage their logistics needs in these unpredictable times.

These rate hikes are driven by general rate increases, additional surcharges, and the early onset of the peak shipping season. Experts predict that freight rates from China will continue to rise due to sustained high demand.

Lacey Act Updates Require Compliance

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced the implementation of Phase VII of the Lacey Act provisions. This phase finalizes the declaration requirement mandated by Congress for plant and wood products. Under Phase VII, importers must file declarations for all remaining plant product Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes that are not 100-percent composite materials.



If you import items containing plant products and haven’t filed a Lacey Act declaration, you’ll likely need to comply under Phase VII. 

Automation and Wages Take Center Stage

The logistics and transportation sector is bracing for a challenging third quarter, with tight capacity, high rates, and potential labor negotiation issues set to impact ocean cargo worldwide. The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), representing 85,000 port workers along the eastern seaboard and Gulf Coast ports, suspended contract negotiations with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). This suspension, driven by disputes over automation and wage increase demands, adds a layer of uncertainty to an already strained logistics landscape.

Section 301 Comments Received

Coppersmith Global Logistics invites all importers and trade stakeholders to participate in the public comment period announced in the Federal Registry. The notice requests comments on proposed modifications and machinery exclusion processes related to the Section 301 investigation of China’s Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation. 



Interested parties may request temporary exclusions from the tariffs for these products. The notice also mentions 19 temporary exclusions proposed for certain solar manufacturing equipment.