Industry Trends and Analysis

U.S. Container Import Volumes Drop in May Led by Sharp Decline in Imports from China
Industry Trends and Analysis

U.S. Container Import Volumes Drop in May Led by Sharp Decline in Imports from China

Descartes Systems Group, the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, released its June Global Shipping Report for logistics and supply chain professionals. In May 2025, U.S. container import volumes dropped after several months of growth, falling 9.7% from April and 7.2% year-over-year. Imports from China declined by 20.8%

Exporting Sand From India – Official Blog of iiiEM
Industry Trends and Analysis

Exporting Sand From India – Official Blog of iiiEM

India, a country with long coastlines and powerful rivers, has a wealth of sand resources. India is positioned to become a major player in the global sand export market by 2025 as the demand for building materials rises worldwide, especially in developing countries and island nations

Insights from Our Two-Part Webinar Series
Industry Trends and Analysis

Insights from Our Two-Part Webinar Series

If keeping up with U.S. trade policy feels like a full-time job these days, that’s because it practically is. The rapid rollout of 2025 tariffs—many issued without warning—has created serious challenges for importers and exporters trying to plan, price and stay compliant. To help businesses stay informed, Shipping Solutions

India – EFTA Trade Agreement (TEPA) – Official Blog of iiiEM
Industry Trends and Analysis

India – EFTA Trade Agreement (TEPA) – Official Blog of iiiEM

The India-EFTA (Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) grants access to almost 95% of Swiss exports to India with customs relief. The TEPA agreement was signed on March 10, 2024, after 16 years of negotiation. Likely date of implementation is September 2025.

U.S. Seaports See Significant Import Decline Amid High Tariffs
Industry Trends and Analysis

U.S. Seaports See Significant Import Decline Amid High Tariffs

U.S. seaports experienced a substantial decline in imports in May, following the imposition of a 145% tariff on numerous Chinese goods by President Donald Trump. This drop in trade activity was highlighted in a report by Descartes Datamyne. The recent trade deal framework between the U.S. and China, which

Impact of Recent Tariff Wars and the Products that are bound to get Costlier due to High Dependence on Imports
Industry Trends and Analysis

Impact of Recent Tariff Wars and the Products that are bound to get Costlier due to High Dependence on Imports

Phones, Shoes, Toys, Cars among other things bound to get costlier for Americans. The Reciprocal Tariffs that US Administration levied in April against most countries, continue to be a major pain point for most of the Importers in the US. While the Reciprocal Tariffs are on a 90-day pause,

How Tariff Policies Are Impacting U.S. Exporters in 2025
Industry Trends and Analysis

How Tariff Policies Are Impacting U.S. Exporters in 2025

Introduction As global commerce reorients in 2025, American exporters are bracing for the consequences of revived tariff policies and shifting trade blocs. Whether in manufacturing, agriculture, or technology, business is confronting intricate barriers, retaliatory tariffs, and fresh compliance requirements. Not only are these policies reframing export volumes, but they

NVOCC vs. Freight Forwarder: What’s the Difference?
Industry Trends and Analysis

NVOCC vs. Freight Forwarder: What’s the Difference?

There are many different parties involved in the logistics process—carrier, freight forwarder, NVOCC, 3PL, EMC, ETC, customs broker, etc.—several of which can be involved in a single transaction! Two of the most similar parties are freight forwarders and Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCC). While most exporters can happily get

Decoding UCRs and MRNs: A Guide to Trade Identification Numbers
Industry Trends and Analysis

Decoding UCRs and MRNs: A Guide to Trade Identification Numbers

Customs reference numbers are vital in international trade and are used by customs authorities and traders for a range of purposes that include, but are not limited to:  Ensuring compliance with trade regulations between different countries and regions  Contributing toward efficient trading processes Protecting national interests Managing and regulating

USPPI vs. Exporter: What’s the Difference?
Industry Trends and Analysis

USPPI vs. Exporter: What’s the Difference?

The language of exporting can be confusing. Terms like exporter and U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI) are often used interchangeably, but they have specific—and legally important—meanings. Understanding the differences is essential for complying with U.S. export regulations. Why the USPPI Designation Exists In 2000, the U.S. Census Bureau