Key Takeaways: The strong dollar continues to aid U.S. importers as they expand their networks of international suppliers outside of China.  Container volumes at West Coast ports continue rising as more cargo is diverted from the East and Gulf due to continued concerns over conditions in the Red Sea and along the Panama Canal. Changes to entry documentation make it easier for importers to find and correct mistakes with extended filing deadlines and messaging systems.  The value of imported finished goods rose consistently for the quarter, led by automotive products and capital and c ..read more

Due to the tragic circumstances surrounding the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, vessel traffic in and out of the port has been suspended until further notice. The immediate impact of this suspension is twofold: a number of ships are currently unable to leave the port, and container vessels that were scheduled to dock in Baltimore are being re-routed to nearby ports such as Norfolk.  While the long-term ramifications of the incident may be minimal, several short-term issues will need to be addressed by shippers and carriers. Table Of Contents Ships Delayed by the ..read more

Importing chemicals into the U.S. is lucrative, but difficult. It’s a process filled with rules and paperwork. Getting all the required licenses and certifications can feel like a never-ending ordeal. Importers must follow rules and regulations put in place by government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect the public. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires importers bringing chemicals into the US to follow regulations from the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and EPA guidelines. Importers must ensure proper documentation, including TSCA certifica ..read more

To find out where a company imports from, researchers can use a variety of online tools that provide data sourced from the U.S. government’s database of shipping manifests. Most methods can provide searchers with information on suppliers, commodities, shipping quantities, and even pricing.  Despite the large size and worth of the ecommerce market, standing out and being successful long-term isn’t an easy feat. Just figuring out how to find suppliers that you can rely on is a challenge. The solution? See how the competition does it. You might be surprised to discover how easy it is to find ..read more

An ISF-5 is a document required for transit cargo entering a U.S. port by ocean vessel, such as FROB and in-bond shipments. An ISF-10, on the other hand, is required for non-temporary ocean imports into the U.S. Importer security filings must be transmitted no less than 24 hours prior to the goods being loaded onto a ship bound for the U.S. Read on to learn more about the difference between these two import documents, and when each is required by importers. Table Of Contents What’s the Difference Between ISF 5 and ISF 10? ISF-5 ISF-10 File Your ISF with USA Customs Clearance What’s th ..read more

Importing a car, or any other vehicle, to the United States is a heavily regulated and complicated process, making it a difficult task for personal and commercial importers alike. According to Customs and Border Protection (CBP), vehicles imported into the U.S. must comply with U.S. safety, bumper, and emission standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT). Vehicles older than 25 years do not have to comply with those safety standards.  Before you buy a vehicle from overseas, make sure you know all the rules and regulations surroundi ..read more

Import costs from India, whether on flowing silk or life-saving medicines, are an important consideration for importers. The USA imported over $117 billion worth of goods and services from India in 2022 alone, and knowing how to calculate the attendant import charges is essential to doing business.  Per U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), import costs from India include tariffs, shipping fees, and duties. These costs are determined based on what you’re importing and its value. They can change due to: Environmental concerns Political turmoil Surpluses and deficits of domestic produc ..read more

Import costs from Vietnam include a variety of charges, which can fluctuate based on market or political conditions, making it a challenge to accurately anticipate the total expenses. Mistakes or deliberate attempts to avoid these fees can lead to stiff penalties from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).  The CBP stresses that import costs from Vietnam include tariffs, shipping fees, and duties. These costs vary based on product type and quantity. Importers must be aware of the duty rates and tariffs applicable to their goods to accurately estimate total import costs. Doing so is ..read more

Key Takeaways Recent regional tensions are disrupting commercial shipping routes that pass through the Red Sea and the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal. The Red Sea's significance to global trade necessitates reliable shipping alternatives that keep people and cargo safe. Shipping companies and those invested in international trade must adapt to maintain uninterrupted global trade. Understanding of the situation and readiness to adapt are essential. It means reevaluating logistics plans, shifting strategies to avoid potential bottlenecks, and working proactively. By doing so, you mitigat ..read more

Importing scrap metal into the U.S. can be a lucrative business, but it's not without challenges. When sourcing scrap metal from overseas, you need to make ensure its quality meets U.S. standards. This isn't always easy, as rules are complex and can change with little notice. However, with a little experience and know-how on your side, you can realize the benefits of this venture. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) states that importing scrap metal means adhering to regulations and quality standards. Importers must comply with environmental and safety norms, understand tariff classif ..read more