A1 Worldwide Logistics - International Shipping Company

  A recent announcement has President Trump threatening a new 25% Tariff on Iran’s trading partners. On January 12, the President announced the levies on a social media post. Notable countries that the tariff could affect include India, China, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and others. Although the White House has not published final guidelines, Trump noted that the decision was “final and conclusive”. With the Supreme Court currently examining the legality of other tariffs issued by Trump, this announcement further heightens uncertainty. Why Is Trump Threatening A New 25% Tariff on Iran’s Trading Partners? The primary reason for the 25% tariff is ongoing geopolitical tensions. Ongoing protests in Iran resulted in casualties of over 2000 people, and the tariff is a pressure against it. Trump recently stated, “If Tehran violently kills peaceful protesters, they will come to their rescue.” The president issued similar “secondary tariffs” last year for countries that buy oil from V...

  Despite its use across industries, there are several aspects shippers should understand when importing machinery into the US. CBP defines machinery as mechanical equipment that performs a specific function, including equipment used in commercial, industrial, and agricultural operations. Machines also have moving parts to produce, process, or transport goods. Examples include construction equipment, robotics, and electric generators. Cargo such as raw materials, hand tools, and individual spare parts is not classified as machinery by CBP. Due to the number of items that shippers can classify as machines, importing these goods may sometimes be challenging. This article explains the importation process for machines like heavy equipment and what to expect when starting. What Should You Know Before Importing Machinery Into The US When deciding whether to import, it is essential to understand the type of machinery you are bringing in. Laws and regulations for importing can vary by mach...

The US-China Trade War Continues, with the Chinese government recently charging port fees on US ships. On October 14, China began imposing fees on US-owned vessels docking in Chinese ports. The charges came after both countries agreed to reduce reciprocal tariffs imposed on each other. By April, the US had levies on China up to 145% while China had up to 125%.  In May, the countries agreed on a 90-day truce and reduced the tariffs to 30% (US) and 10% (China).  The countries extended the pause to November 10, before China retaliated with new port fees. President Trump responded by announcing that he will impose a 100% tariff on Chinese imports starting in November. Why Are The Countries In A Trade War? China and the US have been in a trade war for years due to issues such as trade imbalances and intellectual property (IP) theft, and both countries are trying to protect their economic interests. The US is also fighting against the inflow of drugs, with China being the most popul...

  President Trump’s tariff hearing date is set for November 5, following an announcement from the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court will review two cases:  Learning Resources v. Trump and Trump v. V.O.S. Selections . In Learning Resources v. Trump, businesses challenge Trump’s authority to impose tariffs under the IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act). The Trump v V.O.S. selections will be the president asking for a review of the ruling striking down the tariffs. Due to the high stakes involved, the Supreme Court is moving the cases on an expedited schedule. If the court rules the tariffs illegal, the US government may have to pay back hundreds of billions to importers. What Is The Issue Regarding Trump’s Tariffs? The issue started in April 2025, when Trump issued sweeping tariffs for all countries importing into the US . Along with a baseline 10% tax, this included specific levies for countries like China, Mexico, and Canada. In addition to reducing tra...

  International shipping may soon feel the impact of the US-Japan trade deal starting on September 16. On July 22, the Trump Administration reached an agreement with Japan establishing a tariff framework between the countries. The deal includes a 15% baseline on most Japanese imports into the US, including  automobiles and auto parts . When Trump returned to the presidency, he hiked the 2.5% duty on Japanese automobiles to 27.5%. The US will equally reduce the rates of automobile imports coming from the EU (European Union) and South Korea. Some of the other key details from the trade deal include: Japanese imports will no longer have additional ad-valorem tariffs and reciprocal duties on top of the 15%. The tariff’s adjustments are retroactive to August 7. Importers that come into the US from Japan after that date are eligible for refunds under the deal. Japan will invest $550 billion in US projects picked by the US government. These will focus on national and economic sectors...

  The Supreme Court will hear Trump’s tariff case after an announcement on Tuesday, September 9. In an order released by the court, it was announced that it will review two consolidated cases –  Learning Resources v. Trump  and Trump v. V.O.S  Selections. In Learning Resources v. Trump ,  two small businesses are challenging Trump’s tariffs imposed under the IEEPA as illegal. The belief is that the president cannot impose broad tariffs without definite congressional approval. In Trump V. V.O.S. Selections, the Trump Administration is asking for a review of a  ruling striking down the tariffs . The judges agreed to decide on the case in an expedited timeline, with oral arguments starting in November. The Supreme Court’s expedited schedule will include: Opening briefs due on September 19, 2025. Amicus briefs due on September 23, 2025. Response briefs due on October 20, 2025 Amicus briefs in support due on October 24, 2025. Reply briefs due on October 20, 2025...

  An investigation by the Trump administration could soon result in Trump imposing furniture tariffs. On August 22, the president announced a “major” tariff investigation on furniture entering the US. The potential rate has not been determined yet, and the examination will happen over the next 50 days.  With Trump recently enforcing country-specific tariffs , it is unclear if he will apply the furniture tax on top of them. A white house official also announced it will happen under the Section 232 national security code. Recently, Trump expanded the scope of the Section 232 levy to include steel and aluminum imports. Given the amount of furniture countries import into the US, the tariffs could majorly impact international shipping. Why Is Trump Imposing Furniture Tariffs? Trump is pushing furniture tariffs for various reasons in his “America First” agenda. A primary goal is to encourage domestic manufacturing by raising import costs. This could stimulate the economy by creating...

I nternational shipping could soon feel the impact as the end of de minimis approaches on August 29. On July 30, President Trump signed an executive order to suspend the exemption for all countries importing into the US. The de minimis is a threshold value below which goods can enter a country tax-free. In the US, the amount is currently $800 or less after rising from $200 in 2016 due to e-commerce. Trump initially eliminated the de minimis for China on May 2, but the current pause will be for every nation. Taxes for imports previously under the exception will now be assessed by country-specific reciprocal tariffs or the international postal system. Duties for goods imported through the international postal system will now be assessed by ad valorem or specific duty. Ad valorem is a tax based on the origin country and evaluated on the value of the cargo. Specific duty is a fee between $80 and $200 based on the IEEPA rate of the origin country. Trump has various goals behind eliminating ...