Three major trade developments are shaping the months ahead:
China: 90-day tariff truce extended until November 10, delaying higher reciprocal duties.
Japan: 15% IEEPA tariff will not stack on MFN rates, likely mirroring the EU model.
Three major trade developments are shaping the months ahead:
China: 90-day tariff truce extended until November 10, delaying higher reciprocal duties.
Japan: 15% IEEPA tariff will not stack on MFN rates, likely mirroring the EU model.
India: A new 25% tariff begins August 27 in response to Russian oil purchases, and a framework is in place for applying similar tariffs to other countries.
Importers should use this time to advance shipments, review sourcing, and update contracts.
Coppersmith Global Logistics is here to help you navigate each change with clarity and confidence. Contact us today to prepare for what’s next.
Planning for Traffic and Equipment Imbalances
In a Volatile Trade Environment
How to Handle Traffic and Equipment Imbalances in 2025
As ocean freight volume continues to shift, traffic and equipment imbalances are causing more delays and fees for shippers. While some ports hit record highs, others are quiet—leading to a mismatch of containers, chassis, and capacity.
At Coppersmith Global Logistics, we help clients stay ahead by providing real-time availability insight, alternate routing options, and proactive cost strategies. From repositioning fees to inland depot solutions, we know how to plan around disruption—not just react to it.
Need help managing today’s volatility? Let’s keep your cargo moving, no matter where the bottlenecks appear.
U.S. Tariff Policy Just Shifted—Here’s What You Need to Know
Two significant changes are affecting importers right now:
The U.S. has imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, effective August 27, on top of a reciprocal tariff that began August 7. Specific shipments may qualify for an exemption, but documentation must be clear, and timing is critical.
A new global reciprocal tariff framework also went into effect on August 7. This introduces:
10% baseline tariffs on most non-trade agreement countries
Country-specific rates up to 50%
Elimination of the de minimis exemption for non-postal shipments
New copper tariffs and strict transshipment enforcement
At Coppersmith Global Logistics, we help clients respond with audits, documentation support, and more intelligent routing. Don’t wait until your goods are stuck or expensive—contact us now to review your exposure and avoid surprise duty costs.
Shared Stories
The Trump administration's new tariffs are now in effect, imposing duties on products rerouted through third countries—known as transshipment—to obscure their origin. While goods flagged as illegally transshipped could face an additional 40% levy, authorities have not yet clarified what qualifies as such, leaving enforcement on hold. Southeast Asian exporters—including those in Vietnam and Thailand—remain subject to existing tariffs of around 19–20%, relying on existing “substantial transformation” rules to label products as originating locally. In the meantime, trade experts advise exporters to increase local content to at least 40% to stay ahead of shifting definitions and potential future penalties.
In July 2025, the Port of Los Angeles achieved a historic milestone—handling 1,019,837 TEUs, making it the busiest month in its 117‑year history, surpassing the previous record from July 2024. This surge, an 8.5% year‑over‑year increase, is primarily attributed to importers front‑loading shipments in anticipation of escalating U.S. tariffs. Loaded imports reached 543,728 TEUs, exports were 121,507 TEUs, and empty containers totaled 354,602 units, signaling anticipated inbound traffic. Year‑to‑date volumes were also up 5% compared to 2024.
Honour Lane Shipping has long been the leader in providing neutral NVO space from Asia to the US. Much of this volume historically has originated in China however with the current administrations aggressive tariff policies and frequent changes we have experienced strong growth in many other countries. Our Thailand Team one a highlight of this spectacular growth. For the month of July in 2025 HLS is ranked 5th by volume with 1720 TEU. Year to date HLS Thailand has moved from the 10th position to the 8th position by volume. As of August 1st the tariff on goods from Thailand is 19% making it an attractive option for many importers in the US.
Our efficient and helpful staff of 45 and growing led by Simon Chiu is at your service and will build a strong relationship with your shipper. A strong supplier/logistics provider relationship at origin can prevent many of the challenges that come with International Logistics. Mr Chiu brings years of experience from Wan Hai the steamship line and some of the largest logistics companies in the industry.
HLS Thailand also is part of our HLS Air Sea International Ltd (HAS) group offering a broad suite of services for air freight, cargo screening, warehouse and insurance. We are IATA members since 2010, CATA, dangerous goods certified including Lithium Battery certified (LI-CAT). HLS maintains large block space agreements with major airlines enabling our customers to book reliable space with multiple options to maximize value. We have a network of reliable trucking options for draying containers, critical air freight shipments and cross border trucking into and out of neighboring countries.
We are focused on providing the best rates and service to continue our rapid expansion in Thailand and we would like to grow with you. Please contact your HLS representative to schedule a consultation.
Best regards,
Jeff Woods Business Development
Customs Compliance Memo
This Executive Order modifies the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) to implement adjusted reciprocal tariff rates on imports from countries unaligned with U.S. trade and national security objectives. It replaces and supersedes the tariff structure established under Executive Order 14257 (April 2, 2025).
Legal and Compliance Highlights
Tariff Modifications
The HTSUS is amended as per Annex II of the order.
Annex I list includes countries subject to increased ad valorem duties beyond the 10% baseline.
The European Union and Japan are subject to a 15% tariff rate under negotiated agreements.
Effective Date and Transitional Provisions
New tariff rates apply to goods entered for consumption or withdrawn from a warehouse on or after 12:01 a.m. EDT, August 7, 2025.
Transitional Exception: Goods that meet all of the following criteria are exempt from the new rates:
Loaded onto a vessel before August 7, 2025.
In transit on the final mode of transport.
Entered for consumption before October 5, 2025.
These goods remain subject to the prior tariff rates under EO 14257.
Exemptions
The order preserves existing exemptions under EO 14257, including:
Humanitarian goods.
National security–sensitive items.
Products covered by specific licenses or waivers.
Reciprocal Trade Agreements
Countries that have entered into reciprocal trade and investment agreements with the U.S. (e.g., Japan, UK, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines and South Korea) are subject to negotiated tariff rates rather than punitive increases.
These agreements include commitments to:
Large-scale U.S. energy purchases.
Direct investment in U.S. infrastructure and manufacturing.
The European Union will be subject to either a 15% or a Column 1 rate. If the Column 1 rate is below 15%, an IEEPA tariff equal to the difference between 15% and the Column 1 rate will be applied. If the Column 1 rate exceeds 15%, only the Column 1 rate will apply, with no additional IEEPA tariff.
Compliance Recommendations
Review HTS codes for all imported goods to determine the applicability of new rates.
Audit supply chain logistics to identify shipments that may qualify for the in-transit exemption.
Update customs entry procedures to reflect new tariff rates and ensure accurate duty calculation.
Monitor CBP guidance for implementation details and potential product-specific exclusions.
Engage trade counsel for countries listed in Annex I to assess risk exposure and mitigation strategies.
