Advisories

The Trump Administration announced framework agreements on reciprocal trade and investment with Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Guatemala.

The baseline tariff rate of 10% will remain in place on goods from Argentina, El Salvador, and Guatemala, and a 15% tariff rate will remain in place on Ecuador. The frameworks will allow for tariffs to be lowered or dropped on certain goods, such as bananas, coffee, and cocoa.

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Strong Transpacific traffic, labor strikes, equipment shortages, and other critical issues continue to plague key European ports. 

Major container terminals, such as Antwerp-Bruges (Belgium), Le Havre (France), and Rotterdam (Netherlands), are experiencing congestion, high yard utilization, and extended wait times.

Terminal Operations Updates

The United States and China reached a consensus agreement that will lower tariffs on imports from China to 10%, down from 20%, effective immediately. A variety of Section 301 and Section 232 tariffs remain in place, and goods from China will still face a duty burden of roughly 47%, according to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

China’s Ministry of Commerce also confirmed the U.S. would further extend its pause on reciprocal tariffs for another year.

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Effective November 1, 2025, the Trump Administration will use Section 232 to impose a 25% tariff on imports of medium- and heavy-duty trucks and truck parts. The proclamation also sets a 10% tariff on imports of buses, including school buses, transit buses, and motor coaches.

• Medium- and heavy-duty trucks include Class 3 to Class 8 vehicles, like large pick-up trucks, moving trucks, cargo trucks, dump trucks, and tractors for eighteen-wheelers.
• For medium- and heavy-duty trucks that do not qualify for preferential tariff treatment under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the tariff will apply to the full value of the vehicle. For medium- and heavy-duty trucks that qualify for preferential tariff treatment under the USMCA, the tariff will only apply to the value of the non-U.S. content in the vehicle.
• The tariff on medium- and heavy-duty truck parts will apply to key parts, including engines, transmissions, tires, and chassis.
• USMCA-compliant medium- and heavy-duty truck parts will not be subject to tariffs imposed in the Proclamation until the Commerce Secretary, in consultation with Customs and Border Protection (CBP), establishes a process to apply tariffs to the non-U.S. content of the parts.

Presidential Proclamation

The U.S. will soon establish new fees for vessels owned, operated, or built in China, and for all foreign-built vehicle carrier vessels.

• Annex 1: Effective as of October 14, 2025, a $50 fee per net ton for an arriving vessel owned or operated by a Chinese entity
• Annex 2: Effective as of October 14, 2025, the higher of an $18 fee per net ton, or $120 for each container discharged, from an arriving Chinese-built vessel
• Annex 3: Effective as of October 14, 2025, a $14 fee per net ton for an arriving vessel classified as a vehicle carrier or roll-on/roll-off vessel.

Responsible parties are strongly encouraged to pay fees before vessel arrival, as vessels without proof of payment will be subject to denial of lading or unlading operations, or granting of clearance withheld, until proof of payment can be verified. It is recommended to initiate payment at least three business days in advance of vessel arrival.

“China will take necessary countermeasures against countries or regions that impose or support discriminatory bans, restrictions, or similar measures targeting Chinese operators, vessels, or crew engaged in international maritime transport and related services.” – Chinese Premier Li Qiang via a State Council decree

 

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