Alba News – November 16, 2021

Disruption in the logistics market has deeply impacted the ability of retailers to get cargo out of Asia in a timely manner, leading some fashion retailers to consider near-shoring options to reduce the demand on Asian manufacturing and spread out their options. These “microfactories” allow a fast pivot away from areas of extreme congestion and help reduce transportation costs, delays and bring more of the production and sourcing processes under closer control of the brand. If you’re curious as to how nearshoring could bolster your fashion brand, contact your Alba representative today.

PORTS ANNOUNCE DWELL FEES

Following the new government-imposed Container Excess Dwell Fee, Alba is confirming it has published a new surcharge in its tariff under the name “Emergency Government Port Storage Charge”. This charge, taking effect from Nov. 1st, was put in place to take effect the same date as the excess dwell fee. The penalties, however, will not be assessed until Nov. 15th. This two week grace period has been given to allow for cargo companies to clear the docks. It will be up to the Executive Director to extend that effective fee assessment date further should material progress be made.

The Biden administration has come to an agreement with the European Union regarding the tariffs on steel and aluminum that suits both the need to protect the US manufacturing sector and allow the EU to still export a certain amount to the US tariff-free.

Analysts are predicting a chaotic holiday season that is deeply impacted by the shortage of drivers, lack of holiday workers and record setting import levels coming into the west coast that need to be distributed before the shopping season kicks off. According to Freightwaves, now that massive e-commerce volume is the new normal, many consumers are saying they plan on buying even more this year. As holiday peak season is typically the most fraught period, the mid and post pandemic conditions will bring even more complications.

Whether 2035 as the CEO of Maersk is pushing for or 2050 from the United Kingdom, the days of global liner shipping’s use of fossil fuels appear to be numbered. While there are only a handful of shippers in the United States who have expressed a concern about the environmental impact of logistics and sustainability, the rest of the world is pushing ahead. This push, coupled with carbon takes and increased investment in alternative fuel sources will drive the next major evolution in liner shipping.

One of the inevitabilities of a changing calendar are changing regulations which affect importers and exporters. Did you know Alba’s regulatory expertise is invaluable this time of year? Whether CBP or another PGA or department of the federal government, trust Alba to help you be prepared.