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NEWSLETTER 
10.04.2025
Latest developments on the US customs situation
Dear customers,
We would like to inform you about the latest developments regarding the US tariff situation.
As of April 2, 2025, the US government under the leadership of President Trump has introduced a comprehensive punitive tariff package for 185 countries, which provides for a flat tariff rate of 10% for all imports. In future, European imports would be subject to tariffs of 20%, while specific tariffs would also apply to imports from other countries.
On April 9, 2025, US President Donald Trump suspended these reciprocal tariffs for 90 days for countries that want to negotiate tariffs with the USA. This means that the additional basic tariff rate of 10% currently applies to most countries. China is an important exception to this, with significantly higher tariffs.
The tariffs that have already been introduced, such as tariffs of 25% on steel and aluminum products, continue to apply unchanged. We are awaiting further information from the USA and will inform you accordingly.
All information mentioned is based on the information available to us as of today (as of 10.04.2025). We will of course also keep you informed of further developments. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have about your customs processing and logistical challenges. Feel free to contact us at any time!
Your team at
M.G. International Logistics GmbH
03.04.2025
Information on the latest import duty regulations in the USA
Dear customers,
we would like to inform you about the latest import tariff regulations in the USA.
As of April 2, 2025, the US government under the leadership of President Trump has introduced a comprehensive punitive tariff package for 185 countries, which provides for a flat tariff rate of 10% for all imports. In future, European imports will be subject to tariffs of 20%, while specific tariffs will also apply to imports from other countries. The tariffs that have already been introduced, such as tariffs of 25% on steel and aluminum products, will continue to apply unchanged. We are awaiting further information from the USA and will inform you accordingly.
All information mentioned is based on the information available to us today (as of April 3, 2025). We will of course also keep you informed of further developments. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have about your customs processing and logistical challenges. Feel free to contact us at any time!
Your team at
M.G. International Logistics GmbH
19.03.2025
Current delays in European seaports
There may currently be delays in several European seaports, including Hamburg and Antwerp. This is due to shipping delays, staff shortages and strikes, which can lead to poor handling conditions and additional costs.
The current situation is mainly characterized by long waiting times for trucks at the ports, delays in rail handling, overloaded inland terminals and construction measures in the rail network as well as ongoing congestion for inland vessels in the western ports.
We at M.G. International are monitoring the situation closely and are doing everything we can to minimize the impact on our customers. We ask for your understanding and are available to answer any questions at any time.
For up-to-date information on your shipments, please get in touch with your usual contact at our company.
14.02.2025
Upcoming Steel and Aluminum Tariffs in the USA
Dear customers,
We would like to inform you about the latest developments regarding the upcoming steel and aluminum tariffs in the USA. Please find below a brief summary:
- The country of origin tariff for steel products worldwide is 25%. For Turkey the rate is 50%, and for Russia 200%.
- Proof of origin is based on the proportion and value of the derived ingredients of the manufactured end products.
- The invoice must state the exact composition as well as the material content and the corresponding values.
- Heavy penalties are imposed for falsified documents or declarations. Mill certificates are mandatory, otherwise no application can be submitted.
- If the steel or steel composition was produced in the USA, it is exempt from customs duties, but proof of origin must be provided.
- There appear to be no changes to the quota limits.
- There will be no refund of duties paid under this tariff.
- All previous trade agreements providing for exemptions will be repealed. Individually authorized temporary exemptions will remain in effect until the expiration date or until the authorized quantity is reached.
- Domestic Steel Producer Only
- Only domestic steel producers or industry associations may apply for exemptions, but there is no guarantee of approval.
- The expected date of entry into force is 12.03.2025
All of the above information is based on the information available to us as of today (17.02.2025). We will keep you informed about further developments. Furthermore, we are happy to answer any questions you may have about your customs processing and logistics challenges. Feel free to contact us at any time!
Your M.G. INTERNATIONAL
02.10.2024
STRIKE AT THE US PORTS EASTCOAST AND GULF OF MEXICO
On October 1, 2024, the International Longshoremen’s Association (“ILA”) went on strike. The
two parties are at an impasse, with no plans to resume negotiations as of this date. Key sticking
points include automation, which the ILA opposes due to job loss concerns, and wage
demands, with the ILA seeking a 76% increase over six years, citing recent carrier profits.
This strike is impacting ports on the East and Gulf Coasts of the United States resulting in
significant disruption to ocean transportation with delays in vessel and cargo operations. At this
time, the duration of the strike and the extent of its impact is not known. In addition to delays,
there could be changes to the ports of loading and discharge, as well as other factors, effecting
costs associated with handling, storage and transport.
24.09.2024
Strike at USA East Coast and Gulf Coast ports
Dear Clients,
please be aware, that most likely a major strike will take place in nearly all ports on the USA East and Gulf Coast. The strike has been announced to start on September 30,2024.
The current contract with the ILA (International Longshoreman Association) expires at midnight on Monday September 30th. A strike at ports from Boston, MA to Brownsville, TX is looking like it will happen. There has not been a strike at East and Gulf coast ports since 1977.
If the strike will happen, it will cause another major disruption in the supply chain and cause a myriad of problems for any cargo moving though these ports.
Many ocean carriers are not accepting any export bookings for any vessel sailing after October 1st. They are concerned about containers piling up at the ports if there is a strike.
Shipments arriving or departing via the USA west coast or Canadian ports are not expected to be impacted if there is a strike.
We are monitoring the situation closely.
Archived news can be found here.