Trump Temporarily Reinstates the “$800 Duty-Free” Policy for Imports
According to a report by Reuters, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday his decision to reinstate the “de minimis” exemption for Chinese small parcels valued under $800. This move aims to provide the U.S. Department of Commerce with sufficient time to ensure the smooth implementation of the policy. The sudden policy shift had previously […]
U.S. Government Ships Allegedly Granted Free Passage Through the Panama Canal—But Panama Denies It
On Wednesday (5th), the U.S. State Department announced that U.S. government vessels can now pass through the Panama Canal free of charge. In a post on social media platform X, the U.S. State Department stated that the Panamanian government had agreed to waive transit fees for U.S. government ships, a decision that is expected to […]
Understanding “Shipping Marks” in International Trade
1. What Are “Shipping Marks”? In international trade, the term “shipping mark” is commonly pronounced as “mài tóu” or “mà tóu” in Chinese, both derived from the English word “MARK.” As an essential transportation mark, shipping marks play a crucial role in foreign trade. The term “No Mark” is often abbreviated as “N/M” in practical […]
USPS Swiftly Resumes Mail Services from China and Hong Kong Amid Trade Policy Shifts
On Wednesday, February 5, the United States Postal Service (USPS) announced the resumption of inbound mail and package acceptance from mainland China and Hong Kong. This decision came just a day after the agency had announced the suspension of these services on Tuesday evening, February 4. In a notice published on its website, USPS explained […]
Key Differences Between FOB and EXW in International Trade
FOB (Free On Board) and EXW (Ex Works) are common trade terms in international commerce. Below are their definitions and differences: 1. Definitions FOB (Free On Board): Also known as “Free On Board Price,” FOB indicates that the seller fulfills their delivery obligations once the goods are loaded onto the ship at the designated port […]
Understanding CY Terms in Shipping: CY/HOOK, CY-CFS, and CY-CY Explained
1. What is CY? CY (Container Yard) refers to the container yard in foreign trade terminology. In some places, it is also called a terminal station. For ocean freight container exports, the function of the container yard is to gather all the containers from export customers at a designated place (regardless of whether customs clearance […]
The Key Players in Shipping: Roles and Relationships Explained
Shipowners, Shipping Companies, and Ship Agents play important roles in the shipping industry, with both connections and distinctions between them. Connections: Business Relationship: The shipowner is the owner of the vessel, the shipping company is responsible for the vessel’s operation and management, the ship agent acts as the representative of the shipowner or shipping company, […]
Maersk Announces Cancellation of This Fee!
Cancellation of PSS on Far East-South America West Coast Route Recently, shipping giant Maersk released two announcements regarding peak season surcharge (PSS) for South America routes. One announcement states that, starting from January 13, Maersk will terminate the collection of PSS on the Far East to Central America and Caribbean/South America West Coast routes. The […]
An Overview of Shipping Container Materials and Classifications
I. Main Materials of Shipping Containers Steel Plates Steel plates are the primary material for the container body, with common specifications such as 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, etc. The quality of the steel plate directly affects the container’s lifespan and safety, so it is important to select high-quality, high-strength steel plates and ensure proper […]
New US Customs Rule Imposes Stricter Scrutiny on Shipments Over $800
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced a new regulation that will significantly impact shipments exceeding $800 in value. Starting from January 11, 2025, goods purchased by the same recipient through different channels and delivered to the U.S. on the same day will face more stringent scrutiny if their combined value exceeds $800. […]
