Global Logistics Update 1/23/26

EU-USA Trade Agreement and Retaliatory Tariffs: On Wednesday, the European Parliament postponed a vote to move forward with the EU-US trade agreement due to the ongoing concerns on the Greenland situation. The EU has held the threat of retaliatory tariffs as a possibility during this dispute, and tariffs were scheduled to potentially go into effect on February 6. Today, the European Commission announced that they plan to postpone any implementation of retaliatory tariffs for a 6-month period, primarily due to the US President backing down on the threats to implement tariffs on countries who did not support his plans to “buy” Greenland. The EU can change this decision at any time, but for now, it appears we will not see additional tariffs in the EU or USA.

Tariff Threats – Greenland: Trump’s earlier threat to impose tariffs (initially 10% rising to 25%) on several European countries over their opposition to U.S. ambitions regarding Greenland has been withdrawn after he announced a vague “framework” agreement with NATO officials. The countries threatened with tariffs on imports were Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Finland, the UK and the Netherlands, all of whom were united in their opposition to both the proposed takeover of Greenland and the imposition of tariffs.

Tariff Threats – France: France has pushed back strongly against renewed U.S. tariff threats after President Donald Trump warned of potential 200% tariffs on French champagne and wine, following France’s refusal to join his proposed “Board of Peace” initiative related to Gaza. French officials have stated that such threats are unacceptable and have warned that retaliation would follow if tariffs were implemented. While no formal trade measures have been enacted at this time, the situation remains fluid and continues to create uncertainty for French wine and spirits exports to the U.S.

IEEPA Tariff update: The Supreme Court is heading into a recess for 4 weeks with no opinion yet on the status of the legality of the IEEPA tariffs.  The next possible date for a decision is February 20, 2026.  President Trump did refer to the Supreme Court case in his press conference earlier this week and while indicating he feels the tariffs are within the scope of the law, he mentioned the possibility of refunds indicating an awareness of this possibility.

Winter Weather Hits the US: Winter Storm Fern may impact U.S. logistics operations over the coming days, with forecasted severe winter weather potentially causing transportation delays, port congestion, and temporary disruptions to trucking and rail services. Shipments may experience extended transit times, appointment rescheduling, and operational slowdowns, particularly across affected inland corridors. We are monitoring conditions closely and will provide updates should material impacts to U.S. operations arise.

Spain Rail Services Update: Following our update from yesterday, the incident affecting rail traffic to and from Barcelona, as well as across Catalonia, continues to significantly disrupt logistics operations. While passenger services resumed today, freight rail traffic remains suspended, resulting in a full halt of rail services to and from Barcelona, including key corridors such as Zaragoza, Noain, Agoncillo, Miranda de Ebro, Bilbao, and Tarragona. Authorities are working to restore service as quickly as possible. Additionally, the RENFE train drivers’ union (SEMAF) has announced strike action for February 9, 10, and 11. We continue to closely monitor the situation and will share further updates as they become available.

WSSA Risk Management Webinar: Join WSSA's risk management team and members of Overhaul January 28 at 2pm for our annual webinar on cargo protection. Overhaul is a specialized company offering in-transit actionable intelligence for loss mitigation and works with companies globally on loss prevention strategies. Discussion will include background behind the rise of strategic cargo theft, methods of mitigation available to ensure your goods are protected from origin to destination, and how to proceed if your goods are the target of this type of theft. You will also learn the benefits of coverage in a group policy and the unique aspects of the WSSA protection program. Contact us today to reserve your spot!

Visit Us at WSWA Access Live 2026: The WSSA and Albatrans teams will be exhibiting at WSWA’s Access Live 2026 event in Las Vegas, Nevada, February 2-5. Stop by booth 414 to check out WSSA’s new look and see how we can help service your logistics and risk management needs.

Come See Us at Wine Paris 2026: Albatrans and WSSA teams will be exhibiting at Wine Paris February 9-11. On Wednesday, February 11 from 1-2pm, Alison Leavitt will be conducting a seminar titled “Navigating the USA Market in Challenging Times” which will provide a timely and practical overview of the current landscape in the USA, equipping companies dealing with the USA with insight and tools to adapt and succeed in an increasingly complex environment. The session is ideal for any company involved in shipping to and from the USA. Contact us to schedule a visit with a member of the WSSA or Albatrans teams!

CBMA 2026 Assignments: US importers, don't forget to get your 2026 allocations from foreign suppliers! Also, a reminder that suppliers can issue 2025 allocations until March 31, 2026. 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! 

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