A1 Worldwide Logistics - International Shipping Company

  Navigating the Chinese New Year is essential to consider when shipping during this time of year. Chinese New Year is a 15-day celebration marking the beginning of the year on the lunisolar Chinese calendar. In 2026, the holiday begins on February 17 and finishes with the Lantern Festival on March 3.  While it is a time for celebration, the Chinese New Year can significantly disrupt international shipping . Understanding its impact on supply chains is crucial in preventing delays and backlogs. This article explains how the holiday affects shipping and how shippers can prevent disruptions during this period. How is International Shipping Impacted By the Chinese New Year? Exporting over $3.5 trillion in 2025, China is the world’s largest shipping company by volume. During the Chinese New Year, carriers, ports, and logistic hubs close or operate at limited capacity. This occurs weeks before and after the holiday, disrupting international shipping and supply chains. In particular...

  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...

  As tensions continue in the Israel-Iran conflict, there have been talks that Iran may close the Strait of Hormuz.  The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for the shipping of oil and gas . Nearly 20% of the world’s liquefied Natural gas and a quarter of the world’s oil pass through yearly. Shippers from numerous countries use it as a shortcut for oil importing and exporting. On June 22, the Iranian Parliament voted to close the Strait due to US airstrikes. Despite the vote, the Strait remains open, with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council to make the final decision. As the waterway is a central trade lane in international shipping, its closure could have significant global consequences. Why Iran May Close The Strait of Hormuz, And What Can This Mean For Shipping? Israel and Iran have been in tension and have been in conflict for decades following the 1979 Iranian revolution. The conflict escalated into a war on June 13 when Israel launched a surprise attack on Iranian nu...