Understanding SOC vs COC in Ocean Shipping: What’s the Difference and When to Use Them?
In ocean shipping, the term SOC is commonly heard. SOC stands for Shipper’s Own Container, referring to a container owned or leased by the shipper. The counterpart to SOC is COC, which stands for Carrier’s Own Container. In container shipping, whether it is Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL), containers are […]
US-China Trade War: Key Impacted Products and Major Trade Commodities
The ongoing trade war between the United States and China has significantly impacted the trade flow of numerous commodities between the two economic giants. Below, we outline the primary products affected by the trade tensions and the key trade commodities exchanged between the two nations. I. Key Products Imported by China from the United States […]
How the 145% Tariff Shock is Shaking U.S. Ports and Businesses
Introduction: The U.S. government’s aggressive tariff policies continue to ripple through the economy, with the first shipment of goods subject to a 145% tariff now arriving in American ports. The impact is being felt across key ports, with a notable slowdown in cargo activity, rising unemployment concerns, and escalating consumer prices. U.S. Ports Witness a […]
40GP vs 40HQ Containers: A Practical Comparison for Global Shipping
Choosing the right container type can significantly impact shipping costs, loading efficiency, and logistics execution. This article provides a comprehensive comparison between 40GP (General Purpose) and 40HQ (High Cube) containers, focusing on usage scenarios, industry preferences, and cost-performance trade-offs. 🔍 1. Usage Scenarios & Suitable Cargo 📌 40GP – General Purpose Container Best for: General […]
Consignee vs. Notify Party: Understanding the Distinction in International Shipping
In international freight documentation, particularly the Bill of Lading (B/L), two critical roles often cause confusion: the Consignee and the Notify Party. While they may sometimes be the same entity, understanding their distinct functions is essential for smooth logistics operations. 📦 What Is a Consignee? The Consignee is the party legally entitled to receive the […]
U.S. Retail Giants Resume Imports from China Despite Being Excluded from Tariff Talks
📌 U.S. to Begin Tariff Talks with 18 Countries — China Not Included According to a recent Reuters report, the U.S. government plans to initiate a series of tariff negotiations over the next two months with 18 major trade partners. These discussions, scheduled at a pace of six countries per week, aim to conclude before […]
U.S. Airstrikes Devastate Yemen’s Ras Isa Port, Deepening Humanitarian Crisis and Disrupting Red Sea Trade
On the night of April 17 (local time), the U.S. military launched a large-scale airstrike on Ras Isa Port, located in Yemen’s western Hodeidah Province and under the control of the Houthi forces. According to reports from China Central Television (CCTV) correspondents on the ground, the attack resulted in at least 80 deaths and 171 […]
Essential Trade Documents Explained: PI, CI, PO & PL
In international trade, documentation forms the backbone of every transaction. These documents connect all key stages of the trade process, serving as crucial references for cargo movement, financial settlement, and responsibility assignment. Today, let’s explore four foundational documents widely used in global trade: PI, CI, PO, and PL. 1️⃣ Proforma Invoice (PI) The Proforma Invoice […]
Trump Signals Sharp Reduction in Tariffs on China Amid Industry Pressure and Supply Chain Concerns
On April 22, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a major shift in tariff policy, signaling that the current high tariffs on Chinese goods—up to 145%—will be “substantially reduced.” “145% is very high. It won’t be that high… it will go down significantly, but it won’t be zero,” Trump said in the Oval Office. He added: […]
Understanding Tariffs: Definitions, Characteristics, and Strategic Implications
I. What Are Tariffs? Tariffs are a type of indirect tax levied on goods and items entering or exiting a country. The authority responsible for collecting tariffs is the national customs agency. Taxpayers include importers, exporters, and owners of inbound items. II. Core Characteristics of Tariffs Mandatory: Tariffs are legally enforced; taxpayers are obligated to […]
