Catch up on the latest moves in the U.S.-China trade war. See what’s driving the tension, how both sides are reacting, and what these changes could mean for global trade, supply chains, and businesses around the world as talks continue. Read More »

Shipping overseas comes with a list of costs. Duties, tariffs, and taxes are three of the most common. Each one affects the cost of goods in a different way. Knowing how they work is important in understanding the total landed cost, trade documents, and compliance across borders. What Are Duties, Tariffs, and Taxes? What Is […] Read More »

Blank sailing, also called void sailing, happens when a shipping company cancels part of a vessel’s scheduled journey. This could mean skipping a stop at a specific port, or cancelling the entire trip for that vessel. It’s a strategy often used by carriers to manage costs, delays, or changes in demand. In shipping, most container […] Read More »

What Is a Switch Bill of Lading and Why Is It Used? A Switch Bill of Lading, also referred to as “Switch BOL”, is a replacement for the original Bill of Lading. It carries updated details about the shipment. This updated document is issued after the goods have left the port but before they arrive […] Read More »

What Is Blind Shipping? Blind shipping is when either the shipper’s or receiver’s identity is hidden on shipping documents. It’s commonly used when a seller asks a supplier or manufacturer to ship goods directly to the buyer—without revealing the supplier’s details to the customer. This protects the seller’s business relationships. Without blind shipping, the buyer […] Read More »

The FAS Incoterm is one of the 11 trade rules set by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). It is used in specific shipping agreements where buyers need control over freight from the start.  These rules help businesses set clear terms in trade deals. They outline who handles costs and risks at each stage. FAS […] Read More »

What Is a Trade Agreement and Why It Matters? A trade agreement is a deal between countries that sets the rules for buying and selling goods, services, or investments. The aim is to make international trade smoother and fairer. When countries agree on how to treat each other’s businesses, it builds trust and creates a […] Read More »

What Are Ad Valorem Tariffs? Ad valorem tariffs are import taxes based on the value of goods. The higher the value, the more you pay. Tariffs are usually calculated on the CIF value, which includes the cost of the goods, plus insurance and freight. For example, if the CIF value is $10,000 and the tariff […] Read More »

What Is a Trade Deficit? A trade deficit happens when a country buys more from other countries than it sells to them. This means the value of imports is higher than the value of exports. Trade deficits are recorded as part of a country’s current account, which tracks the flow of goods, services, and money […] Read More »

A tariff is a tax applied to goods imported from other countries. It’s usually charged at the border before those goods are allowed into the domestic market.  When one country imposes new tariffs, another country might respond with its own set of tariffs. These are known as retaliatory tariffs. They are often used as a […] Read More »