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 […]
24 Common Ocean Freight Surcharges Across 7 Categories – A Must-Know Guide for New Shippers
In the world of ocean freight exports, costs often fluctuate due to a wide range of factors such as fuel prices, port congestion, cargo handling, and weather. To mitigate these cost fluctuations, shipping lines frequently introduce a variety of surcharges—often shown in abbreviated forms—on quotations or invoices. If you don’t understand what these abbreviations mean […]
General Process of Container Shipping
1. Document Verification & Carrier Coordination Upon receiving the complete set of documents from the client, determine which shipping line is responsible for the cargo, who the shipping agent is, and where to exchange the delivery order required for customs clearance.Required documents include: Endorsed Original Bill of Lading or Telex Release Packing List Commercial Invoice […]
Trump Administration’s Unpredictable Tariff Policy: Major Exemptions Unveiled After New Tariff Hike
The Trump administration’s tariff policy continues to shift unpredictably. On April 2, the government announced the imposition of retaliatory tariffs, only to release an extensive product exemption list the very next day, April 3. According to an official announcement on the White House website, the list includes nearly a thousand products spanning across energy commodities, […]
Understanding the Shipping Order (S/O): A Key Document in Container Shipping
A Shipping Order, commonly abbreviated as S/O, is an essential document in the logistics and shipping industry. Once a shipping company receives a booking request from a freight forwarder or consignor, and if suitable space is available, the carrier issues an S/O to confirm the booking details. This document may also be referred to by […]
