A1 Worldwide Logistics - International Shipping Company

  A recent announcement could result in President Trump raising South Korea tariffs to 25%. In a January 26 social media post, Trump threatened to increase South Korea’s import levies from 15% to 25%. The president further stated that the increase will apply to imports, including automobiles, lumber, and pharmaceutical products. Goods subject to Trump’s original baseline reciprocal tariffs will also be affected by the duties.  The US initially lowered tariffs on South Korean goods from 25% to 15% as part of a trade deal in July 2025 . South Korean officials were caught off guard by the announcement and are planning to speak with the US about the issue. Why Is Trump Raising Tariffs on South Korean Imports? President Trump’s primary reason for raising tariffs on South Korea is its failure to ratify a trade deal. In 2025, both countries agreed on a trade and investment framework valued at approximately $350 billion. The deal included the US lowering tariffs on specific Korean imp...

An announcement from President Trump has led to the White House delaying tariffs until 2027. In particular, Trump is postponing planned tariff hikes on imported furniture products for one year. Some of these products include upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and vanities. In September 2025, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on these goods and planned to raise it to 50% in 2026. The White House recently signed an order postponing the increase, which took effect on January 1, 2026. This delay is part of a rollercoaster of   tariff enforcement   and reversals that has impacted the US in 2025. Why Is The White House delaying tariffs? The decision to delay a tariff increase follows the Trump Administration’s announcement of ongoing positive negotiations with trade partners. A significant issue was national security concerns related to the importation of wood products. The president initially imposed the 25% tariffs after a Section 232 investigation found that an overreliance on for...

The international shipping industry continues to feel the strain from trade wars, with Mexico imposing a 50% tariff. On December 10, Mexico’s congress agreed to hike tariffs on more than 1,400 imports from China and other Asian nations. Some of the goods subject to tax include automotive parts, steel, furniture, textiles, and plastics. Tariffs on most of these items, previously at 10%, will increase to 35%. Key manufactured goods, such as vehicles, will also see a larger 50% increase. After 75 votes in favor, five against, and 35 abstentions, the new bill will take place on January 1. These tariffs could significantly affect global trade, particularly the volume of goods imported into Mexico. Why Is Mexico Imposing A 50% Tariff? Mexico is imposing tariffs of up to 50% on imports for various reasons, including protecting domestic industries. The country aims to reduce its dependence on imports from countries without free trade agreements. Many of these importers are based in Asian c...

China hit a $1 trillion trade surplus for the first time on December 8. Over the last 11 months of 2025, China’s surplus reached $1.08 trillion, beating 2024’s $992 billion amount. A trade surplus is the value of how much a country exports that exceeds its imports. In 2025, China’s exports rose to nearly $3.4 trillion while its imports declined to $2.3 trillion. Exports from China rose almost 5.9% year-over-year in November alone, while imports grew about 1.9%. The $1 trillion figure is also significant, given the ongoing  trade war between China and the US . With China exporting less cargo to the US, the resulting surplus could significantly impact international shipping. How Did China Hit A $1 Trillion Trade Surplus? When President Trump returned to office, the trade war between the US and China escalated. Tariffs imposed by both countries soon rose above 100%  until they reached a trade deal . The surplus stems from the actions China took following Trump’s 2024 election vic...

  A bilateral trade deal is resulting in the US reducing South Korea’s tariffs on imports. On December 1, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced that the US will reduce levies to 15% retroactively to November 1. Previously, the US imposed tariffs of up to 25% on South Korean automobiles and other goods. The 25% came from duties the US used under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. Reciprocal tariffs that President Trump imposed under the IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) also added to the 25%. In addition to reducing duties to 25%, tariffs on airplane parts from South Korea will be eliminated. The deal will also cap future tariffs on sectors such as semiconductors and Pharmaceuticals at 15%. Why Is The US Reducing South Korea’s Tariffs? The main reason for the tariff reduction is a trade deal between the two countries. Along with the US reducing levies, South Korea will invest approximately $350 billion into strategic US industries. Some of these industri...

The international shipping industry could soon see the top US coffee importer shifting from Brazil. Responsible for nearly 30% of the unroasted coffee brought into the US each year, Brazil is the US’s largest supplier. However, in October, both Peru and Colombia overtook Brazil in the amount of coffee beans imported into the US. Other countries, like Mexico, and producers in Africa and Southeast Asia have also seen a significant growth in coffee imports. In May of 2025, the total amount imported from all countries exceeded 4600 TEUs. This article will explain the reason for the change in   coffee imports   and what it could mean for the shipper. Why Is The Top US Coffee Importer Shifting? A primary reason for the change in coffee-importing countries is President Trump’s tariffs. Since his return to office, Trump has been imposing levies on the US’s biggest trade partners. Some of the justifications include addressing unfair trade practices and strengthening the US economy. In ...

President Trump is raising Canada tariffs by 10% after an announcement on October 25. In a social media post, Trump said he would increase duties on Canadian imports due to a TV ad. The president will add the 10% to previously imposed tariffs, raising the total amount to 45% for certain goods. Canadian imports have been subjected to a 35% tax since August 1. The tariff increase will not affect importations that fall under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement). Trump has not yet specified the scope of the latest raise and what goods will be affected. This article will explain Trump’s goal behind the tariff increase and its impact on shippers. Why Trump Is Raising Canada Tariffs By 10%? The 10% rise came after Canada aired a TV ad featuring former president Ronald Regan criticizing tariffs. Trump immediately responded by calling the advertisement a fraud and stating, “All trade negotiations with Canada are hereby terminated”. The Ronald Regan Presidential Foundation also issu...

  President Trump’s IEEPA tariffs Supreme Court ruling could potentially reshape international trade.  On November 5, the Supreme Court will hear two consolidated cases – Learning Resources v. Trump and Trump v. V.O.S. Selections.  In V.O.S. Selections vs Trump, the US Court of Appeals argues that the IEEPA does not authorize sweeping tariffs. Trump recently used the IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) to impose reciprocal tariffs for most US importers. Due to the situation’s urgency, the Supreme Court agreed to review the case on an expedited schedule. The outcome of the ruling may significantly impact trade for shippers and the US government. What Are The Major Risks for Trade From Trump’s IEEPA Tariffs Supreme Court Ruling? The Supreme Court’s ruling has various risks, including redefining presidential authority over trade and policy. If the court rules against the Trump administration, the scope of what presidents can do under IEEPA may ...

  A tariff war continues with the US proposing a 93.5% tariff on graphite imports from China. On July 17, the US Department of Commerce (DOC) announced plans to implement the levies after an anti-dumping duty investigation. The DOC notes that they will make the final amount determinations from the investigation on December 5. Along with the previous tariffs Trump issued for Chinese imports, the 93.5% will bring the total rate to 160%. The DOC has also proposed countervailing duties on graphite importations up to 721%. With the amount of graphite that comes into the US from China, this can significantly impact international shipping. Why Is The US Proposing A 93.5% Tariff On Graphite Imports? The Trump Administration has proposed tariffs on  Chinese graphite imports  for various reasons, including anti-dumping and subsidy claims. Dumping is when manufacturers in one country export goods to another country at a lower price than they usually charge in their own country. An a...