525 S. Douglas St. , #100• El Segundo, CA 90245 • (310) 607-8000
Though China is reducing by half the tariffs it placed on US citrus shipments, the initial tariffs will be left on the fruit, offering little if any comfort to US citrus exporters. The reduction went into effect on February 14, 2020, but the impact won't be felt until the rest of the agreements are fleshed out between the two nations. The tariffs have already had a deep impact on US citrus exporters as 2019 numbers were only $23 million, 56% lower than 2018 and 54% lower than 2017.

The lack of exports of the US citrus crop can cause prices fall dramatically from oversupply - if the fruit isn't being sent overseas, it has nowhere to go but to market here. The US Department of Agriculture has stepped in with $104 million in aid to help the citrus industry during the trade war. 
Coronavirus leads to reduced volumes from China and Asia
The Port of Los Angeles reports that they're seeing a 25% decrease in container volume and one-fourth of all sailings cancelled to China due to the Coronavirus. As shipments pile up headed to China and equipment grows scarce, the port expects a big pendulum swing once ships start moving freely between the US and Asia. Originally the port expected only 15% reductions as January stayed on course year over year, and only saw a small 3.9% decrease at the very end of January.
Section 301 List 4a tariffs reduced to 7.5% as of February 14, 2020
On the heals of the US / China "phase one" trade agreement, the US has reduced the Section 301 duties on List 4A by half to 7.5%, effective February 14, 2020. You can find the items listed in the tranche on this excellent chart, provided by STR Trade.

In February, the USTR has announced exclusions on several lists dated February 5th and February 20th. Visit Coppersmith’s Section 301 page for the latest updates.
Coppersmith's managers meeting in Long Beach, CA looks to 2020 trends and celebrates 73 years!
From Left to Right: Lynley Bishop, Atlanta; Lisa Gingerich, Chicago; Cheryl Woodyard, Dallas; Victoria Lane, Portland; Tammy Gabehart, Houston; Bobby Shaida, LA; Bob Glover, LA; Jeremy De La Cruz, San Francisco; Jeff Coppersmith, Bud Coppersmith, Tom Scott, Seattle; Don Simon, LA; and Lenny Feldman, New York

At the end of January, Coppersmith’s management team from around the country gathered in Long Beach, CA to discuss the results of 2019’s record breaking year, and finalize plans for 2020. With an experienced team of professionals topics were discussed ranging from I.T. enhancements, China tariffs, Personnel, Compliance, Training and Procedures, to Business Development, Industry Verticals and Rates. 

Entering our 73rd year in business we are well situated with our 9 gateway offices in the U.S. and relationships worldwide to keep us current with real world challenges and poised to take on the next decade of international logistics services. We are excited to have a great team and loyal customers as we continue to offer the highest level of customer service in the industry and build on our successes of the past. We look forward to working with you in the future!
Coppersmith is attending a number of conferences in the spring. Below is our itinerary:

IPATA North American Regional Conference, San Diego:
Bud Coppersmith/EVP is presenting, while Bob Glover/VP Imports, Kaela Cho/LA Operations are attending

Trade Symposium in Anaheim March 10-11 will be attended by President Jeff Coppersmith and Compliance Manager Victoria Lane

Boston Seafood Show March 15-17 will be attended by Houston Branch Manager Tammy Gabehart and Bud Coppersmith

NCBFAA Annual Conference April 19-23 in Las Vegas will be attended by Jeff Coppersmith, Bud Coppersmith, Victoria Lane
Coronavirus is causing an equipment shortage as trade between the US and China reaches a low point. Ports are full of cargo awaiting transport, occupying containers until they reach destination. While the issue is far more prevalent on the West Coast, the shortage is expected to reach the whole of the United States before resolving.

While some Chinese ports will no longer accept reefer containers due to a lack of plugs, US ports haven't turned away cargo bound for Asia, even with the delays and cancelled / voided sailings.

Once China restarts production and the ports are fully staffed, the situation should improve, but we suggest everyone plan in advance for their equipment needs.
The Pacific Coast Council (PCC) was in DC lobbying for trade. As president of the Columbia River Customs Brokers Forwarders Association (CRCBFA), Victoria Lane from Coppersmith is in attendance. Alongside CBP, the FDA, the USFDA, APHIS, and CBP Agriculture the team spent Monday in session, Tuesday on the Hill discussing trade with West Coast legislators and Wednesday attended the Ways and Means Committee hearing on China, Trade and Tariffs.
Bond insufficiency notices are still being issued by US CBP with regards to customer volumes and tariffs that remain on Chinese imports. Some importers saw their bond needs more than double as tariffs due on their cargo rose in cost alongside the tariffs on the first three lists of Section 301 duties. If you're concerned about your U.S. Customs bond or projecting your bond needs for the year, you can reach out to your Coppersmith representative for assistance.
Cheryl Woodyard, Dallas Branch Manager; Andrea King, Administration Manager; Jennie Hudson, Dallas Import Supervisor; and Bud Coppersmith attended the American Pyrotechnics Association winter meeting in Las Vegas, NV. The program was packed full of educational information regarding importation of commercial and personal fireworks. Coppersmith was also mentioned in the recent APA newsletter and press release.