Understanding EXW (Ex Works) – The Simplest International Trade Term Explained
What Are Incoterms?Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) are essential rules in global trade that define the responsibilities, costs, and risks shared between buyers and sellers in cross-border transactions. There are 11 widely used Incoterms, grouped as follows: E Group: EXW F Group: FCA, FAS, FOB C Group: CFR, CIF, CPT, CIP D Group: DAP, DPU, DDP […]
What Is DAP (Delivered at Place) in International Trade?
Definition of DAP (Delivered at Place)DAP (Delivered at Place) is an international trade term under the Incoterms® rules published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Under DAP terms, the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to a location specified by the buyer, typically the buyer’s warehouse or another agreed destination. The seller bears […]
Tensions Rise as Trump Accuses China of Violating Trade Agreement and U.S. Tightens Chip Export Controls
On May 30 (local time), former U.S. President Donald Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social, aggressively accusing China of “completely violating” the initial trade agreement reached with the United States. He claimed that China had broken its commitment to suspend retaliatory tariffs on American goods and threatened to take further action in […]
U.S. Federal Court Blocks Trump’s “Liberation Day” Tariff Policy, Citing Presidential Overreach
On May 28 local time, a U.S. federal court halted the implementation of former President Donald Trump’s controversial tariff policy announced on April 2, dubbed “Liberation Day.” The court ruled that Trump had overstepped his authority by imposing blanket tariffs on countries that export more to the United States than they import. The United States […]
Port of Odessa Suffers Missile Attack: Major Damage and Renewed Concerns Over Black Sea Shipping Safety
On May 23, a major missile strike hit the Port of Odessa—one of the largest ports in the Black Sea region—causing significant damage to vessels, containers, and port infrastructure. According to the Odessa Daily, two ballistic missiles launched by Russian forces struck the HHLA Container Terminal Odessa (CTO), the largest container terminal in Ukraine operated […]
Can a Bill of Lading Be Amended After the Vessel Has Sailed?
The bill of lading (B/L) serves as a crucial document of title in international shipping and, in principle, should not be altered once issued. However, in real-world operations, situations may arise that necessitate amending certain elements of the B/L—even after the vessel has departed. If any of the following issues occur, it is essential to […]
Usage Comparison of 40GP and 40HQ Containers
1. Application Scenarios and Suitable Cargo 40GP (General Purpose Container) Suitable Cargo: General dry goods such as machinery, electronics, cotton, and grain. Advantages: Ideal for heavier cargo with smaller volume, such as tiles and stone. Typically used when the cargo gross weight is 22–24 tons. 40HQ (High Cube Container) Suitable Cargo: Light, bulky cargo like […]
Major Strikes Disrupt Key European Ports: Export Operations Halted in Belgium, Sweden, and South Africa at Risk
As of May 20 (local time), Belgium is bracing for a nationwide strike that will heavily impact logistics and port operations. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges, one of Europe’s busiest gateways, will be affected as members of the maritime services and port authorities join the strike action. In anticipation, the port operator has announced a suspension […]
Shipping Rate Surge Hits Europe and Mediterranean Routes – Carriers Announce Sharp Increases from June
The wave of freight rate hikes that began on the Trans-Pacific routes has now reached Europe and the Mediterranean. According to the latest updates from industry sources, several major shipping lines have officially announced significant rate increases for shipments from China to Europe and the Mediterranean, effective June 2025. These adjustments reflect a steep rise—up […]
Suez Canal: The World’s Carotid Artery – A Must-Know for Global Trade
Introduction: As China’s international trade continues to expand, understanding the origins, development, and future of global trade routes, especially in the Western world, has become a significant topic of interest. Recently, the Suez Canal Authority announced that the canal’s revenue reached a record high of $8 billion in 2022. The Suez Canal, known as the […]
