📌 Current U.S. Tariff Status (as of January 9, 2025)

• IEEPA Tariff Case: As early as January 9, the U.S. Supreme Court may rule on the legality of IEEPA tariffs, potentially halting collections and triggering refunds, or allowing duties to continue under existing or alternative trade authorities.

• CPSC eFiling Requirement: Effective July 8, 2026, CPSC-regulated consumer products must be electronically filed at entry (FTZs effective January 8, 2027), prompting importers to begin voluntary registration now.

• Furniture and Cabinet Tariff Delay: Tariff increases on upholstered furniture (25% → 30%) and kitchen cabinets/vanities (25% → 50%) have been delayed to January 1, 2027, with existing exemptions and drawback eligibility unchanged.

• U.S.–Indonesia Trade Agreement: The U.S. and Indonesia are expected to finalize a trade agreement by late January, including tariff removal on select Indonesian goods such as palm oil, cocoa, and coffee.

• China & Regional Tariff Actions: The U.S. confirmed additional tariffs on Chinese semiconductors starting June 23, 2027 (stacking on the existing 50% duty), while Mexico imposed tariffs of up to 50% on Chinese goods effective January 1 ahead of the USMCA review.

📢Check U.S. duty rates instantly with our Phoenix Tariff Calculator on 🔗 PHXio.

Source: whitehouse.gov, politico.com, whitehouse.gov

Ocean Trade Lane Snapshot

Ocean markets are moving in different directions across the main east–west trades. Trans-Pacific eastbound capacity remains elevated with generally open space, keeping rate pressure in check despite carriers signaling additional GRIs ahead of Lunar New Year and likely limited success for January PSSs. Far East westbound demand is strong as shippers front-load cargo before factory shutdowns, leading to tight space, schedule disruption from congestion and blank sailings, and continued upward pressure on spot rates, reinforced by new EU ETS cost enforcement. In contrast, Trans-Atlantic westbound conditions remain soft overall, with ample capacity and stable-to-lower rates in North Europe and the West Mediterranean, while the East Mediterranean shows firmer demand allowing selective surcharges to hold.

Air Freight Market Update

Asia airfreight demand has eased following the holidays, with rates softening across most origins as capacity returns to normal levels. China, Taiwan, and Korea are seeing lighter volumes, while Southeast Asia remains stable as factories resume operations. Space to the U.S. West Coast is generally available, with tighter conditions persisting on select East Coast lanes. Shippers are encouraged to book a few days ahead and remain flexible as the market stabilizes through mid-January.

Sources: xeneta.com, maersk.com, yangming.com, evergreen-line.com, supplychaindive.com

Asia–Latin America Freight & Port Update

Transshipment & Compliance Updates

Mexico implemented new import tariffs effective January 1, 2026, with duties of up to 50% on goods originating from countries without a free trade agreement, including China. Importers may experience increased documentation scrutiny and longer clearance times for affected commodities as enforcement ramps up.

Drewry Index Rises 16% as Container Spot Rates Increase on Key Trade Lanes

Global container spot rates increased this week, with the Drewry World Container Index up 16% to $2,557 per 40-foot container. The largest gains were reported on China–U.S. routes, including Shanghai–Los Angeles up 26% to $3,132 and Shanghai–New York up 20% to $3,957, alongside smaller increases on Asia–Europe lanes. The article notes the move coincides with higher FAK pricing and added capacity, while Descartes data shows mixed U.S. import trends.