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Global Logistics Update 1/12/26

Posted on: January 12, 2026

EU Tariff Suspension Guideline: The European Union's current suspension of retaliatory tariffs on certain US goods - including distilled spirits, wine and related products - remains in effect through February 5, 2026. The suspension, first agreed in August 2025, was intended to support ongoing EU-US negotiations aimed at stabilizing transatlantic trade and avoiding further tariff escalation.

 

While discussions between the EU and United States are continuing, no permanent agreement has yet been finalized. As a result, uncertainty remains about what will happen once the suspension expires. Most reports are optimistic that the EU will choose to extend the suspension if negotiations are progressing, but this could change based on various factors, such as the tensions over Greenland.

 

The bottom line is that we should be aware that trade conditions after February 5 may change, depending on the outcome of these negotiations. We will continue to monitor developments closely and provide updates as more information becomes available.

 

CBP Deadline for Setting Up ACE Account for Refunds: Beginning February 6, 2026, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will issue all refunds electronically via Automated Clearing House (ACH) (subject to limited exceptions), as announced in the?Electronic Refunds?Interim Final Rule published January 2, 2026 in the Federal Register (FR Document 2025-24171).

In preparation for this change, CBP recently improved the ACH refund sign-up process by: 

  • Adding an automated?ACH Refund Authorization?tool in the Automated Commercial Environment Secure Data Portal (ACE Portal)
  • Automating the ACE Portal's importer account application, which is necessary to access the new?ACH Refund Authorization?tool 

For importers and other parties who may receive CBP-issued refunds after February 5, 2026, review?CBP's Electronic Refund Enrollment Reference Sheet?and take any necessary steps to ensure readiness for this mandatory transition. In addition, to help the trade community prepare for the mandatory transition, CBP will hold user readiness support calls on the following dates and times: 

Importers not yet enrolled in the ACH Refund program must submit an ACH Refund application via the ACE Portal. As part of the application, all applicants are required to use a U.S. bank account (note that foreign Importers of Record may have an ACE account, but a U.S. bank account is necessary for the ACH application). Once an ACH Refund application is successfully submitted and approved through the ACE Portal, all future refunds will be issued electronically to the designated U.S. bank account.

 

Importers currently enrolled in the ACH Refund program will continue to receive electronic refunds via ACH without interruption.

 

Should you have further questions about this change, please feel free to reach out to us. 

 

Mexico Customs Changes: Effective immediately, Mexico has significantly strengthened its customs framework. This includes new and increased tariffs across multiple product categories, substantially higher levels of scrutiny and post-clearance audits, and a clear expansion of liability to customs brokers, who will now be penalized alongside importers if any discrepancy is identified (valuation, classification, origin, documentation, or regulatory compliance).

 

Mexican customs authorities (SAT / ANAM) have also enhanced their digital control, traceability, and verification capabilities. Shipments are now subject to deeper real-time and post-entry review, and enforcement actions are expected to increase materially. The tolerance for errors, intentional or not, has been drastically reduced.

  
The Albatrans team will take diligent care to maintain protocols and make sure all shipment requirements are adhered to based on these changes. If you have any questions on these new regulations, we would be happy to pass you along to a member of the Albatrans Mexico team. 

 

Weather Impacts Operations in North Europe Ports: As we reported last week, winter is in full force in North Europe and impacting port operations at key European ports. Due to persistent frost, snowfall, and black ice, operations at the seaports of Rotterdam and Antwerp are currently experiencing significant disruptions. Safe working conditions are severely restricted, impacting both waterside and landside handling, including rail and truck transport. As a result, some terminals have been forced to temporarily suspend operations. The following delays are currently estimated:

  • CTA/KTH: approx. 38 hours
  • CTB: approx. 2.5 days
  • Eurogate / Eurokombi: approx. 48 hours

Please be aware that delays, cancellations, and postponed delivery dates may occur due to the inclement weather conditions, but all parties involved are working diligently to minimize the impact of these disruptions.

We will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates accordingly. 

 

New Direct Services from Fos-sur-Mer France to USEC: Multiple ocean carriers have changed their routings to add Fos-sur-Mer back into the rotation as direct service to the East Coast of the USA. Previous to this change, MSC was the only option for direct service. Should you want any updates on schedules or transit times, please let us know and we would be happy to provide this data.

 

CBMA: US importers, don't forget to get your 2026 allocations from foreign suppliers! WSSA can assist and guide on this process and help you maximize your benefits. Let us know if you need any help to get the maximum CBMA tax relief available.

LCL Services from France, Italy, and Spain/Portugal: Bi-monthly departures continue from each of these countries for your small shipments, offering a per case rate from point of pick up to the Alba Wine and Spirits warehouse in Edison New Jersey. Shipments from other European countries can be added into the mix, with pick-ups offered in most European countries. Please let us know if you need any further information!