Your Insights in Global Freight and Customs

Learn About ACH Payments

There’s a smarter way to handle duty payments.

CBP’s Automated Clearinghouse and Periodic Monthly Statement programs give importers up to 45 days to pay—interest-free. No broker fees, no hidden costs—just improved cash flow and easier compliance. Find out how to enroll, how it works, and how much you can save. Ready to get started? The team at Coppersmith is here to help every step of the way.

Bond Sufficiency & Customs Compliance: What Importers Need to Know

Are you receiving a bond insufficiency notice from CBP? Ignoring it can lead to bond stacking, financial liability, and tied-up capital. Andrea at Coppersmith reminds importers that forecasting future shipments is key to avoiding unnecessary increases and collateral demands.

A Guide For Importers

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Transpacific Rates Trend & Market information

U.S imports from China saw a notable decline of 12.5% month-on-month in February, mainly because of the business slowdown during the CNY holiday. However, with the implementation of two 10% tariff by the U.S. on Chinese product, one in February and another on March 4, the expected recovery is anticipated to lag. Southeast Asia and South Korea also saw volume declines of around 9% on US imports in February, but the situation in these regions is better than China with an estimated 90% volume restored in March, while Vietnam only saw 80% recovery which is lower than the average.

The recent shipping alliance reshuffle resulted in increased competition and less effective capacity management. However, carriers have increase blank sailings from the end of March, and we expect space will not be that open in next few weeks.

The uncertainty created by rapid U.S. policy shifts has made planning and adjustments extremely challenging for shippers. We are continuing to monitor for the potential impact of a number of trade-focused actions by the US, including the proposed fee for Chinese-made ships calling American ports and reciprocal tariff actions being proposed for early April. One thing is certain - the industry will continue to navigate all the uncertainties and challenges in 2025.

LA-LB report strong February numbers.

The Port of Los Angeles processed 801,395 TEUs in February 2025, representing a 2.5% increase compared to February 2024 and marking the second-busiest February on record. This continued strong performance is part of a broader trend, with year-over-year cargo growth in 17 of the past 19 months.

Breaking down the numbers, loaded imports reached 413,236 TEUs (up 1%), while loaded exports decreased by 18% to 109,156 TEUs. Empty containers increased by 16% to 279,006 TEUs. 

Meanwhile, the Port of Long Beach recorded even stronger growth, with 765,385 TEUs handled in February 2025, a 13.4% increase from February 2024, marking its ninth consecutive month of cargo increases. Imports rose 11.8% to 368,669 TEUs, exports increased 2.9% to 90,026 TEUs, and empty containers climbed 19.1% to 306,690 TEUs. 

Combined, the San Pedro Bay port complex moved over 1.56 million TEUs in February 2025. For the year to date, Los Angeles has moved 1.7 million TEUs, a 5.4% increase over the same period in 2024, while Long Beach has processed 1.7 million TEUs, representing a remarkable 27.4% increase.

Looking ahead, port officials caution that despite the current strong performance, the second half of 2025 could see a potential 10% volume decline due to tariff uncertainties and substantial inventory already in place.