IMPORT & EXPORT
Traffic Congestion at Ports of L.A. and Long Beach at High Levels
By Andrew Asch | February 4, 2021
Cargo-ship congestion at California ports and those located around the United States is at some of the highest levels in years due to supply-chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To help break up the congestion, on Feb. 1 the Port of Los Angeles started an incentive program to move trucks more efficiently and at a faster pace through its terminals, said Gene Seroka, the port’s executive director.
November Trade Deficit Figures Decrease by 5.4 Percent to Lowest Number Since 2017
This week, the United States Census Bureau released its “Advance Economic Indicators Report,” which showed a decrease in the international trade deficit. Numbers for international trade in goods recorded in October 2019 stood at $66.8 billion, while advanced figures fell to $63.2 billion in November, a drop of 5.4 percent.
U.S. Close To Making Trade Agreements After Year of Upheaval
After more than a year of headlines on trade wars, the Trump administration, the U.S. Congress and America’s trade partners wrapped up the year with statements and votes promising that trade deals are close.
Tariffs in 2019: As the Trade War Turns
One of the largest newsmakers of 2019 was neither a person nor a company but rather a largely impactful issue faced by the apparel industry. In a rocky 2018, the United States implemented 25 percent tariffs on $50 billion in imports from China, and the latter responded with its own reciprocal duties on products from the U.S.
AAFA Echoes Industry Sentiment in Letter to CBP Regarding Proposed Footwear Duty
Escalating current tariff and trade drama, the United States Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection proposed a revocation of two previous rulings on the definition of athletic footwear, widening the range of these types of shoes, which will thereby increase costs for these products that were previously not subject to athletic-footwear duties.
Port of L.A. Working with Danish Port to Strengthen Sustainability
The Port of Los Angeles, ranked as the No. 1 container port in the United States, announced that it has entered into a five-year memorandum of understanding with the Copenhagen Malmö Port AB, which manages ports in Denmark and Sweden, to collaborate on sustainability and environmental issues.
Former Oakland City Councilmember Wan to Lead Port of Oakland
It was announced Nov. 14 that Danny Wan, a former Oakland, Calif., city councilman was named executive director of the Port of Oakland. He had been serving as the port’s interim executive director for the past year.
USTR to Consider Extension of Tariff Exclusions on $34 Billion of Chinese Imports
As the leaders of the United States and China continue to negotiate new trade terms and navigate through tariff increases implemented on imported goods, the office of the United States Trade Representative made an announcement on Oct. 28 regarding exclusions.
Record Cargo Numbers for August at Port of Los Angeles Could Foreshadow Trouble
After moving 861,081 20-foot equivalent units—or TEUs—the Port of Los Angeles reported this week that it has set a new single-month cargo record for the month of August.
Tariff Issues Cool, Concerns Remain
Following the United States Trade Organization’s confirmation this week that an additional duty of 5 percent on $300 billion in products from China—on top of an original figure of 10 percent—would be implemented starting Sept. 1, representatives from the Chinese and U.S. governments had started to cool on the heated situation.
Mongolia Third Neighbor Trade Act Could Diversify Cashmere Sourcing for U.S.
Following the Trump administration’s declaration of raising tariffs by 10 percent on $300 billion of Chinese goods come Sept. 1—not including the $250 billion subjected to the existing 25 percent tariff—exports from China to the United States rose according to the General Administration of Customs earlier this week.
Administration’s New Tariff Brings Mixed Reaction
The United States trade war with China heated up this week when the Trump administration said that the U.S. would place a 10 percent tariff on an additional $300 billion worth of Chinese imports.
Organization Urges Trump Administration to Include Apparel and Made-Up Textiles in Next Round of Chinese Tariffs
As the trade war between the United States and China intensifies, members of the National Council of Textile Organizations have been urging the Trump administration to include apparel and certain textile items in the next round of tariffs.
Mexican Tariffs Are Off for Now but Manufacturers Still Cautious
The Trump administration’s threat to impose a 5 percent tariff on all goods imported from Mexico did not go into effect on June 10 as threatened.
Southern California Ports Tell a Tale of Two Traffic Stories
Business at Southern California’s seaports has been looking a little schizophrenic.
White House Announces Termination of India’s GSP Status
Following the White House’s removal of Turkey from the countries eligible for GSP (Generalized System of Preferences) status last month, the Trump administration declared that India has been deemed ineligible for continued inclusion as a beneficiary under the duty-free trade program.
