Confusion reigns as Trump rolls out conflicting fine-print changes in tariff rules
The freight world was thrust into turmoil over President Donald Trump’s 10% tariffs on freight transportation across both the Canadian and Mexican borders and as high as 35% on China and other countries. It’s 10%, that is, except for auto parts, which got a 25% tariff. And then there are entire industries employing small armies […]
President Trump signs Executive Order imposing reciprocal tariffs to address U.S. trade deficits
As expected, President Trump today signed an Executive Order, entitled “Regulating Imports with a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade Practices that Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits,” in which the United States will institute reciprocal tariffs on countries throughout the world. A major driver for today’s announcement, as stated in […]
Manufacturing contracts in March, as tariff impact weighs on growth
Coming off of two consecutive months of growth, manufacturing activity in March did not keep the momentum going, according to the new edition of the Manufacturing Report on Business, which was issued today by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). The report’s benchmark reading, the PMI, came in at 49 (a reading of 50 or […]
National diesel average increases, for week of March 31, reports EIA
The national average price per gallon of diesel gasoline headed up for the second straight week, according to data issued today by the Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (EIA). The national average, for the week of March 31, rose 2.5 cents, coming in at $3.592 per gallon, following a 1.8-cent increase, for the week […]
Freight Economy stares down an unpredictable future amid escalating tariffs and global trade tensions
As United States-driven tariff-related actions continue to dominate the narrative in supply chain and freight transportation circles, leading to a new “Trade War,” it is not an understatement to say it has brought with it a sense of economic uncertainty, and unease regarding macroeconomic conditions. That has been seen in various ways, including companies debating […]
Survey indicates AI will boost supply chain, but systems remain disjointed
A new survey from LeanDNA shows that supply chain and business leaders are betting big on AI, but most still have a long way to go when it comes to syncing their digital systems. LeanDNA and Wakefield Research surveyed 100 U.S. executives and 100 supply chain leaders. Nearly everyone agrees AI is key for predicting and preventing disruptions—92% of executives […]
GEODIS’s Williamson offers up insights on tariffs and trade policy
Amid the many stops and starts related to the current state of United States trade policy, specifically as it relates to tariffs, it stands to reason that this topic is top of mind for shippers across all verticals. And with the White House expected to announce new tariff levies and actions on April 2, there […]
Letter to USTR slams proposed fees on Chinese ships, predicting harm to U.S. businesses and consumers
A letter sent yesterday to Jamieson Greer, Ambassador for the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) by more than 300 industry associations, representing various sectors, including, transportation and logistics providers, manufacturers, importers, exporters, and retailers, among others, called on the USTR to not move forward with its proposals, regarding the Section 301 investigation […]
USTR proposals face strong opposition as industry stakeholders warn of potential disruptions and increased costs
Comments sent to the office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), in advance of a public hearing taking place this week on Monday, March 24 and Wednesday, March 26, regarding the USTR’s Section 301 China’s Targeting of the Maritime, Logistics, and Shipbuilding sectors for Dominance, appeared to collectively pushback on the USTR’s proposals. As previously reported, […]
AI, ESG and geopolitics top supply chain influences in new Gartner survey
A survey of 579 supply chain practitioners across industry and geography has identified the top 10 drivers of future supply chain success but found only 29% of respondents had sufficiently developed three of the top five competitive drivers needed for future readiness. “Leaders shared a commitment to preparation through long-term, deliberate strategies, while non-leaders were more often […]