IEEPA Tariff Update: We continue to monitor the Supreme Court case reviewing the legality of the IEEPA tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. There are many predictions as to the outcome and articles and advice published as to how to prepare for a potential overturn of the tariffs. Options include filing protective cases in the US Court of International Trade to requesting extensions on liquidation to filing pre-emptive protests on liquidated entries and PCS on non-liquidated entries. Should you want further information on the options available, please let us know and we will be happy to provide a summary and assistance.
TTB Backlog: Reports indicate that the TTB is still backlogged due to the impact of the government shutdown, but they are actively working on clearing up pending items with staff overtime. TTB has requested that companies with pending items avoid asking for status updates as this only adds to their workload. Status information for label approvals can be viewed on line.
Europe Strikes & Congestion: A nationwide strike in Belgium ran from November 23 to November 26 and shut down the rail network and backed up port operations. There are still trickle down impacts from this work stoppage affecting the Port of Antwerp, though operations are gradually recovering. Likewise, in Italy a strike was in place protesting the port congestion fees earlier this week. The strike has now concluded, and operations resumed, but still plan for some delays as the backlog is cleared. We will continue to monitor these situations and share updates as needed. Operations are running more smoothly in Southampton port, but Grangemouth is still completely congested, and we are avoiding usage of Grangemouth with no expectation to return to this port until early 2026. Due to the lack of availability at Grangemouth, most cargo is moving via rail to alternative ports, creating delays and congestion on the UK rail.
Blank Sailing Alert: There will be multiple ocean carriers cancelling sailings in mid-December and over the Christmas holiday, resulting in fewer sailings than usual from Europe to the USA. For urgent shipments in December, check on options, and please feel free to contact WSSA for any information on schedules.
ETS/Emissions Trading System: The ETS system, a cap & trade program with the aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions requires ocean carriers to report emissions and pay based on the level of compliance. All carriers are reporting an increase in the ETS fee levied for Q1 2026. 2025 marks the 4th year of the program, with an increase from 40% in 2024 to 70% coverage on emissions output. For 2026, the coverage goes to 100%, covering CO2, methane (CH4) & nitrous oxide (N2O). Carriers are continuing to develop green fuel options as well as optimizing routes to reduce emissions impact. Please let us know if you would like further details on this program or costs published by carriers.
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!
End of Year Reminders for USA Importers: CBMA - Start working on your 2026 allocations now and if any additional allocations available for 2025, now is the time to ask!
Protect Your Cargo from Low Temperatures: As we head into the colder months, make sure you are properly protecting your products from lower temperatures. Talk to us about insurance and options for winter wine transloading! Bringing products into warmer ports, such as Savannah, and loading into temperature controlled trailers for delivery into cold weather areas can be a lower priced option that shipping in reefer containers from origin point.