Trade Policy Updates: India Additional Tariff Terminated; Canada IEEPA Tariffs Under Review: As we reported yesterday, the additional 25% ad valorem tariff on products of India, imposed under Executive Order 14329 and implemented by CBP effective August 27, 2025 (CSMS #66027027), has been terminated. This duty had applied in addition to separate IEEPA, reciprocal, and other applicable tariffs. A subsequent Executive Order published on February 6, 2026 eliminated HTSUS headings 9903.01.84–9903.01.89, effective 12:01 a.m. EST on February 7, 2026, thereby ending the additional India duty. The order provides that any required refunds will be processed in accordance with applicable law and standard CBP procedures. Importers should review entries on which the additional India tariff was paid, determine liquidation status, and gather supporting documentation in anticipation of filing Post Summary Corrections or protests once CBP issues formal refund guidance. Please contact us with any questions or for assistance in preparing or submitting potential refund claims.
Separately, the U.S. House of Representatives has voted 219–211 to roll back President Trump’s tariffs on Canadian imports by ending the emergency declaration serving as the legal basis for the measures. Although the vote reflects bipartisan concern regarding tariffs on Canada, the resolution must still pass the Senate and is expected to face a presidential veto, making repeal unlikely absent a two-thirds override. Accordingly, importers should continue operating under the assumption that the Canadian tariffs remain in effect for now while monitoring further legislative developments. We will continue to track this matter and provide updates as events unfold.
Transatlantic Ocean Carrier Changes: The WSSA procurement team met with the key transatlantic ocean carriers this week to discuss current market conditions and upcoming changes in schedules. There will be multiple changes in routes phasing in over the next weeks from the Ocean Alliance (CMA, OOCL, COSCO, Evergreen and ONE ) as well as changes from MSC. We will be providing a complete summary of the changes and copies of the new schedules. There are also planned blank (cancelled) sailings in multiple vessel strings and multiple weeks at the end of February and March. We will be monitoring the capacity adjustments closely and suggest to request bookings as far in advance as possible and plan for some delays and congestion during this period of change.
AGOA Agreement: President Trump signed legislation last week to extend AGOA/the African Growth and Opportunity Act, enabling certain goods from Sub-Saharan African countries to enter the USA with a duty-free status. This does not eliminate the IEEPA tariffs in place but will eliminate the “regular” duty on eligible products. For the wine and spirits industry, South Africa is included in the list of countries and will enable goods to enter duty free, and just pay the IEEPA tariff (currently 30% on South Africa). The extension is for one year but is retroactive to the lapse date of September 30, 2025. Should you have imports from September 30 forward, you can apply for duty refunds. If you have any questions on this agreement or processing refunds, please reach out to us for more information.
Come See Us at Prowein 2026: Albatrans and WSSA teams will be exhibiting at Prowein next month. ProWein is the World's No. 1 International Trade Fair for Wines and Spirits. WSSA and Albatrans will have personnel from multiple countries attending and look forward to meeting current and future customers. Stop by Hall 4, Booth 03 and find out how we can help with your logistics or risk management needs. Contact us to schedule a visit with a member of the WSSA or Albatrans teams!
Join us at DISCUS 2026! Join members of the WSSA and Albatrans teams at the DISCUS Annual Conference in Louisville, KY, March 3-5! This event will bring together America’s spirits industry leaders, decision makers and supply chain partners to forge the future of this sector and learn strategies to help businesses thrive in the modern distilled spirits marketplace. Anytime during the conference, come by and check out WSSA’s exhibit at Booth 303 and pick up a sweet treat or some WSSA swag!
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!
