Trade News

During this podcast, Gross offered up various observations on the current state of the intermodal transportation market, on both a domestic and intermodal basis.

Topics covered included: new tariffs and their potential impact on intermodal; the current state of the freight economy; and the current state of intermodal service, among others. 

Larry Gross is a forty-year veteran of the freight transportation sector, and President of Gross Transportation Consulting in Durango, CO, an independent consulting practice specializing in freight transportation matters. He is the author and creator of “Intermodal in Depth,” an analytical report covering the intermodal sector.

Larry is an acknowledged expert on intermodal matters who makes frequent appearances before the transportation community. He has played a key role in the creation of educational content at the IANA Intermodal Expo for the past four years. He enjoys teaching and has authored …

According to a new Association of American Railroads (AAR) report, the U.S. freight rail industry generated $233.4 billion in total economic output in 2023. The report highlights freight rail’s vital role in supporting jobs, fueling trade, and keeping supply chains moving efficiently across the country.

Freight rail directly employed more than 153,000 workers last year, with those jobs supporting another 596,000 jobs in related industries. The industry supported nearly 750,000 jobs, delivering $66 billion in household income and contributing $25.1 billion in tax revenue.

The report also demonstrates freight rail’s role in global trade, noting that 38% of rail traffic is tied directly to imports and exports. This connection helps keep transportation costs lower for American businesses while ensuring efficient movement of goods between ports, factories, and distribution hubs.

“Freight railroads are the backbone of America’s supply …

Starting Tuesday, the U.S. will impose 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, following through on a threat from President Donald Trump that had been temporarily delayed. The decision comes after the administration concluded that both countries had not done enough to stop fentanyl trafficking and illegal immigration into the U.S.

In addition to tariffs on North American imports, the administration also confirmed plans to add a new 10% tariff on imports from China, citing concerns over China's role in fentanyl exports. In response, China is preparing to retaliate with tariffs targeting U.S. agricultural products, including soybeans, grains, and meats. This recent escalation has immediate and long-term consequences for supply chains across multiple sectors.

Automakers Rethink Manufacturing Strategies

The automotive sector, with its deep ties to North American cross-border supply chains, will feel the impact first. Honda has already announced plans to…

Many companies publicly appear to be adopting a wait-and-see approach to the looming risk of a tit-for-tat trade war. Yet beneath this surface-level calm, businesses are taking steps to mitigate potential disruptions. Western firms are rapidly accelerating plans to diversify their supply chains, especially for nearshore manufacturing, assembly, and distribution systems. European manufacturers remain especially vulnerable, as the sector has been contracting for nearly two years with no turnaround in sight, increasing pressure to protect domestic manufacturers from Asian imports.

In the U.S., where manufacturing accounts for just 12% of GDP, the greater concern is the potential revenue losses inside China from punitive actions - from sanctions to outright bans - and escalating trade tensions.

Drawing on our work with global companies across manufacturing, automotive, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, software, technology, financial services, and a range …

How to Manage VAT Numbers for International Businesses

Key takeaways:

VAT (Value-Added Tax) is a consumption tax applied at each stage of the supply chain, where value is added to a product or service. A VAT number is a unique identifier required for businesses in countries with VAT systems. These numbers enable businesses to charge, collect, and reclaim VAT. Businesses operating in VAT-collecting countries may need to register based on turnover thresholds, imports, or the type of goods/services offered, including digital products. Unlike a sales tax, businesses collect VAT at every stage of production and allow them to reclaim VAT on purchases. Not only does a VAT number ensure your business is compliant, but it also enhances your credibility. VAT numbers also make it possible for businesses to reclaim VATs paid, which will reduce their tax burden. Over 170 countries, including the EU, Canada, and Australia, use VAT systems with varying rates and regulations. The avera…

Since taking office in January, President Trump and his administration have made weekly and sometimes daily announcements on tariffs, whether for longtime trade partners or geopolitical rivals—most of which have not yet been imposed. Executives are left to wonder: Are these pronouncements a negotiating tactic to drive more favorable results for U.S. businesses and citizens or will they become business realities that companies will have to navigate? How should executives respond to the latest news cycles?

These developments have many of our supply chain clients whipsawing between business-as-usual complacency and panic, often in the span of a few days. For instance, when President Trump announced an additional 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, we woke up to over a thousand emails and 100 pings from clients and work colleagues, reflecting the shockwaves resonating throughout unprepared C-suites. But the market does not offer much forgiveness when e…

President Donald Trump has confirmed that tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports will take effect on March 4. This follows a month-long pause after both countries agreed to work with the U.S. on fentanyl trafficking concerns. Trump also announced a 10% tariff increase on Chinese imports next week and hinted at a 25% tariff on European Union goods.

In a Truth Social post-Thursday, Trump said drug trafficking from Canada and Mexico remains at “unacceptable levels,” justifying the tariffs' implementation. The move contradicts his earlier statement that the tariffs would take effect April 2, aligning with his broader reciprocal tariff policy.

Mexico Braces for Trade Shifts

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum downplayed the announcement, stating her administration remains “cool-headed and optimistic” about reaching a deal with U.S. officials before the March 4 deadline. “We hope we are able to speak with President Trump once these meetings have happened,” Sheinbau…

More than 45,000 dockworkers on the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts have approved a new six-year contract, locking in higher wages, better benefits, and job security while avoiding a potential strike. A temporary deal was reached in October, and the final agreement between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) takes effect on October 1, 2024, and runs through September 30, 2030.

The contract raises workers' base hourly pay from $39 to $63, a 62% wage increase over six years. This makes longshoremen among the highest-paid blue-collar workers in the country. The contract also accelerates wage growth for new hires, strengthens healthcare and retirement plans, and protects workers from automation—a major sticking point in negotiations.

ILA President Harold Daggett called it “the richest contract in our history”, emphasizing that the agreement avoids labor disruptions at ports handling over half of U.S. impo…

The United States and Ukraine are closing in on an agreement that could impact global supply chains, particularly for rare earth minerals. This deal aims to give the U.S. access to Ukraine’s large reserves of key minerals—such as lithium, titanium, and rare earth elements—in exchange for continued American support for Ukraine. If finalized, the agreement could reduce dependence on China, which currently dominates the processing of these materials.

Why This Matters for the Supply Chain

Rare earth minerals are essential for many industries, including technology, defense, and renewable energy. They are used in everything from smartphones and electric vehicles to advanced weapon systems. Right now, China controls a major share of the world's rare earth supply, processing anywhere from 35% to 90% of key minerals.

By sourcing these minerals from Ukraine, the U.S. could create a more reliable and diverse supply chain, making it less vulnerable to trade disputes or dis…

Politics is a tricky subject and one we tend to avoid around here. But regardless of your political beliefs, Donald Trump, the new President of the United States, has taken office and plans to shake things up worldwide for businesses. In fact, he’s already gone to work, levying a 25% tariff on all trade from Mexico and Canada, with a lower 10% tariff on energy resources. This announcement has many businesses worried.

This tariff was initially planned to take effect at the beginning of February but was postponed until March 1st, giving time for more negotiations. With the threat of tariffs looming, businesses in North America are scrambling to determine what this means for their operations’ future.

Today, we’ll go over how tariffs work, who pays tariffs, and what they mean for your business. So, if you’re looking to protect your business from the possibility of tariffs in the future, you’ve come to the right place.

What is a tariff?

A tariff is a …

The U.S. is moving to impose hefty new port fees on Chinese ships and Chinese-built vessels, a move that could reshape global shipping. Under the proposal from the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), Chinese-owned ships would be charged up to $1 million per port call, while Chinese-built vessels could face fees as high as $1.5 million.

The proposed fees also target companies with Chinese shipbuilding orders. Operators with at least 50% of their new vessel orders in China could be charged an additional $1 million per U.S. port call. The measures are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to curb China’s dominance in the maritime sector, which now accounts for over 50% of global shipbuilding.

Analysts warn that the plan could disrupt supply chains and drive up shipping costs. The U.S. Trade Representative's proposal includes fees of up to $1 million per port call for Chinese-owned vessels and up to $1.5 million for Chinese-built ships. These fees are …

Listen as Andrea Klein, CEO of Rand Technology, and Rosemary Coates, Executive Director of the Reshoring Institute, discuss the history of high technology over the past 30 years.

Andrea Klein is the CEO of Rand Technology, a sophisticated, full-service technology hardware distributor/reseller offering a comprehensive suite of products and services to support Fortune 500 customers worldwide.

In this episode, Andrea discusses her long and very successful career in technology and the changes and major shifts in the business environment, that have occurred over the past 30 years that she has been at the helm of Rand Technologies. Rand is laser-focused on customer service and filling the needs of customers in complicated technology supply chains. The company is one of a handful of technology distributors reselling hardware and providing services. Andrea travels the world meeting with suppliers and customers and keeping up with new technology developments.

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