Government Reopens After House Vote: After weeks of disruption, the US government has officially reopened after both the Senate and House of Representatives voted and President Trump signed off on a deal to fund the government through January 30, 2026. For USA importers of wine and spirits, this means that TTB is back up and running and normal activities will resume, but it may take a few weeks to clear out a 43 day backlog. Government employees will resume work, and employees will receive back pay. We will continue to monitor the situation as this is a short-term solution.
Supreme Court Hearing on IEEPA Tariffs Recap: Last week the US Supreme Court held a major hearing on the legality of President Trump’s tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a case that could significantly reshape presidential authority over trade. The session ran more than two and a half hours.
The core question is whether the President’s power to “regulate” imports under IEEPA includes the authority to impose tariffs. The Court is expected to take an all-or-nothing approach: either affirming broad presidential tariff power or rejecting it entirely. Arguments highlighted that Congress has never delegated tariff authority through the term “regulate,” that IEEPA differs structurally from other statutes like Section 232, and that tariff powers historically rest with Congress. Some Justices questioned whether the power to embargo imports necessarily implies the lesser power to tariff, while others noted that Congress designed IEEPA to limit executive power, not expand it. The government maintained that national security concerns justify broad discretion.
A ruling could come anytime between late 2025 and early 2026, and many observers expect the Court to uphold lower court decisions declaring the tariffs illegal. If the tariffs are struck down, they may be lifted—and possibly refunded—but future administrations could still impose new measures through other legal pathways. We will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as they become available.
USTRA China Ship Penalty Fee Pause: As a reminder, China and US agreed to a one year pause on the tariffs on vessels built or owned by companies from the other country. Under the deal, the US will lift the Section 301 tariffs on ships constructed in Chinese shipyards or owned by Chinese firms, such as OOCL and COSCO. In response, China will eliminate its tariffs on US-built or US-owned ships. The pause will take effect on November 10,2025 – November 9, 2026.
Europe/UK Growing Port Congestion: Schedule delays and rolling of cargo continues to be an issue in North Europe and UK ports, including severe delays in Southampton and Grangemouth and schedule disruption in Rotterdam and Antwerp. Plan for extra time from these areas as the congestion continues
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!
WBWE: WSSA and Albatrans staff from Canada, France, Germany and the UK will be exhibiting at the 2025 World Bulk Wine Exhibition! Come visit us at Stand C09! WSSA's Managing Director, Alison Leavitt, along with Albatrans Canada Vice President, Jean-Sebastien Bedard, and Norden Bulk Founder, Javier Mas, will be conducting a conference on Risk Management entitled, “Minimize Risk in Shipping Bulk: Understanding Flexitank Shipping in Practical Terms” which will take place at the event conference room November 25th at 10:00. If you are interested in setting up an appointment with our global logistics team to discuss your bulk logistics programs, please contact us! We look forward to seeing you in Amsterdam!
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!
USDA NOP/National Organic Program Audits - The USDA has advised that they will be conducting audits to verify compliance and proper certification. The agency reports that they will be checking that products have correct labels and valid NOP certifications, as well as general compliance with NOP protocols. Should you have any questions or want further details on the audits, let us know!
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!