Insights

Chinese brands and products shine at Paris Olympics

August 05, 2024.
Logistics Publications, Trade Publications

While absent from the arenas of the ongoing Paris Olympics, Chinese merchants are flexing their muscles on other stages, contributing to the event's sporty, joyful, and inclusive ambiance. Made-in-China products, renowned for their superior quality at reasonable prices, have once again made their mark during the Games. According to...

Section 301 Duty Increase Delayed

August 01, 2024.
Logistics Publications, Trade Publications

The US Trade Representative (USTR) has decided to delay the increase in Section 301 duties that were scheduled to go into effect on August 1, 2024. The delay is a result of the USTR needing more time to review the one thousand plus comments it received in response to its May notice of...

Freight Rate Analysis

July 29, 2024.
Logistics Publications

Last week, ocean spot rates surged to their highest levels of the year on major trade routes, although the rate of increase has slowed following sharp rises earlier in the month. There are indications that prices may have already peaked as daily rates have begun to decrease, and major carriers...

Shop ‘Til You Drop (the Tax): Upcoming Sales Tax Holidays

July 09, 2024.
Tax Publications

A sales tax holiday is a brief period when certain goods or services are exempt from sales taxes, implemented by governments to boost consumer spending and the economy. Typically lasting a few days or a weekend, these holidays often occur during back-to-school season or before major holidays. Commonly exempted items...

Ensuring Cost Efficiency and Accuracy in LTL and FTL Shipments

June 26, 2024.
Logistics Publications, Trade Publications

Adherence to the below steps for less-than-truckload (LTL) and full-truckload (FTL) shipments is of the utmost importance. It's not just a process; it's a key to ensuring maximum cost efficiency and accuracy in land transport. Your adherence to these guidelines directly impacts the success of our operations. Parties...

July 2024 Colorado Retail Delivery Fee Rate Increase

June 25, 2024.
Tax Publications

Effective July 1, 2024, the retail delivery fee rate will increase from $0.28 to $0.29. A retail delivery fee is imposed on all deliveries by motor vehicle to a location in Colorado with at least one item of tangible personal property subject to state sales or use tax. The retailer or marketplace facilitator that...

Fourth Meeting of the USMCA (Agreement) Free Trade Commission

June 18, 2024.
Logistics Publications, Trade Publications

May 22nd, 2024 marked the fourth meeting of the USMCA (Agreement) Free Trade Commission. The assembly was held in Phoenix, Arizona. In attendance were United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai, Canadian International Trade and Economic Development Minister Mary Ng, and Mexico Secretary of Economy Raquel Buenrastro. This meeting was held in...

U.S. Adds Three Companies to the UFLPA Entity List

June 17, 2024.
Logistics Publications, Trade Publications

On June 11th U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the addition of three China-based seafood, aluminum and footwear companies to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will apply a rebuttable presumption that goods produced by these entities will be...

India Plans to Establish State-Owned Shipping Company

June 13, 2024.
Logistics Publications, Trade Publications

India is embarking on an ambitious plan to establish a state-owned shipping company, a strategic initiative led by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. This move aims to bolster the country's maritime infrastructure and reduce its heavy reliance on foreign vessels for international trade. As a part of...

A New Canadian Trade Office Opens in Arizona

June 11, 2024.
Logistics Publications, Trade Publications

Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng was in Arizona for the fourth meeting of the USMCA (Agreement) Free Trade Commission. The day before attending the gathering, however, she met with Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs to announce the development of a new trade office. The office will be located in the Valley,...

Sun-Soaked Surcharges: A Guide to Taxes and Fees in the Sunshine State

June 10, 2024.
Tax Publications

Exploring the tax landscape in hospitality and leisure reveals complex responsibilities for businesses and travelers alike. Compliance with state sales tax and Tourist Development Tax is vital for Airbnb hosts and vacationers in Florida. This article navigates these obligations and offers insights for planning a Florida vacation, ensuring a well-budgeted...

Section 301 - June 2024 Updates

June 07, 2024.
Logistics Publications, Trade Publications

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has proposed increasing the Section 301 duties on specific products. The first set of increases will go into effect August 1, 2024, the others will be phased in over time. Duty Increases: Certain steel and aluminum products under Section 301 will increase from 0–7.5%...