Understanding Port Skipping in Ocean Freight: Risks, Causes, and Best Practices
In ocean freight, the term “port skipping” can have two distinct meanings within the shipping industry: planned transshipment and unplanned port omission. It is essential for shippers, freight forwarders, and logistics managers to understand the differences and implications for supply chain planning. 1. Planned Transshipment Planned port stops are part of a ship’s published route. […]
COSCO Shipping Resumes Far East–Middle East Bookings Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions
Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, COSCO Shipping Lines has announced the resumption of new container bookings (standard boxes) from the Far East to select Middle East countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Iraq, effective immediately. Iran Confirms Safe Passage for Non-Adversarial Vessels According to Xinhua News […]
Supply Chain Disruption: Middle East Orders on Hold Amid Escalating Geopolitical Tensions
The ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are casting a long shadow over global supply chains, with China’s logistics sector also feeling the impact. Factory shutdowns, paused orders, and soaring freight rates are among the ripple effects emerging as the conflict continues. Airlines Raise Rates as Air Cargo Market Enters a “High-Pressure Zone” Recent […]
Why the Strait of Hormuz Won’t Reopen—Even If the Shooting Stops
In recent weeks, discussions about the Middle East situation have dominated both inboxes and industry conversations. As a professional closely tracking shipping dynamics, I would like to share a somewhat counterintuitive perspective: Even if hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz were to cease tomorrow, the world’s most critical energy corridor is unlikely to resume normal […]
What Are Customs Inspections Really Checking?
6 Core Risk Dimensions Every Freight Forwarder Must Verify Customs inspections are not about “random probability”—they are about risk control. From a freight forwarder’s operational perspective, understanding what customs actually focuses on can significantly improve clearance efficiency, reduce delays, and help you build a professional advantage by identifying risks for your clients in advance. Below […]
Another Wave Hits: U.S. Customs Tightens Enforcement — Is the Era of “DDP (Double Clearance & Duty Paid)” Coming to an End?
Since around the Chinese New Year, enforcement by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been continuously tightening. What initially appeared to be routine, phased inspections has rapidly escalated. Within just two months, 3,826 Chinese containers have triggered 5H inspections, with 3,137 shipments forced to return, resulting in an astonishing 82% return rate. Meanwhile, on […]
Understanding MPF and HMF Fees for U.S. Imports
When reviewing U.S. customs duty documents, you will always encounter MPF and HMF fees. These are unique customs clearance charges in the United States and are not universal foreign trade terms. So, what exactly are MPF and HMF fees? Why are they charged? What are the fee rates, and are there any caps? Today, we […]
PSE Certification: Japan’s Mandatory Safety Certification for Electrical Products
PSE Certification (Product Safety of Electrical Appliance & Materials) is Japan’s mandatory certification system for the safety of electrical products. It is designed to ensure that electrical products entering the Japanese market comply with safety standards, safeguarding consumers’ personal and property safety. Administered by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and implemented in […]
Tax Handling for European Cross-Border Sellers: Customs Duty, Import VAT & VAT Deferral
For sellers engaged in European cross-border e-commerce, tax treatment during the import process directly impacts costs and cash flow. The two primary taxes involved are Customs Duty and Import VAT, and the VAT Deferral mechanism has become an increasingly popular tool for optimizing tax management. This article systematically explains the differences between these two taxes, […]
Middle East Shipping Crisis: Container Rejections, Skyrocketing Surcharges, and Essential Freight Forwarder Guidance
The Middle East shipping industry is facing unprecedented disruption. With the Strait of Hormuz officially closed, this critical energy artery carrying one-fifth of global oil shipments has halted, triggering a global shipping shock. Thousands of vessels are trapped in the Persian Gulf, and major shipping lines are taking drastic measures: booking suspensions, mid-voyage container rejections, […]
