What We're Reading: BDP Trendwatch Week 17

90-day delay of tariff payments does not include Trump administration duties on Chinese goods

The U.S. levies tariffs on billions of dollars in imports from China, but this latest rule will not provide relief for companies paying these duties. The U.S. business community has been lobbying the Trump administration for weeks to delay the collection of import fees.

"Many importers of record will be receiving diminished or no revenue during this time while still incurring costs, including the duties, taxes, and fees associated with imported merchandise for their clients and supply chains," the rule reads. The new rule is an attempt by the Trump administration to delay some of the costs importers have to pay and provide businesses with temporary access to cash that would otherwise go toward tariffs.

Source: Supply Chain Dive

 

Manufacturers call on government to incentivize production pivots to PPE

These calls come as cases of coronavirus have appeared at various steps in the supply chain, from manufacturing facilities to fulfillment centers. Along with financial support for the manufacturing industry, NAM is looking to protect manufacturers from potential lawsuits stemming from employees or customers who buy PPE, and is asking Congress to pass liability protection for these manufacturers.

"Congress should limit lawsuits in state and federal courts claiming damages for COVID-19 exposure in the workplace to those based on claims that companies had actual knowledge that the person would be exposed to COVID-19 and acted with reckless indifference or conscious disregard," NAM wrote.

Source: Supply Chain Dive

 

'Move boxes to private yards' plea as Chittagong congestion worsens

Bangladesh customs authorities have allowed logistics operators to shift a further six types of goods in containers to private off-docks in a bid to reduce the number of containers in Chittagong’s yards.

The authority have also asked importers to redirect Dhaka Rail Inland Container Depot-bound containers to a private box terminal near the capital by waterways.

Source: The Loadstar
 

'Raincheck' on taxes a relief for hard-hit US importers

US customs brokers and importers have been scrambling to revise monthly statements after the US government announced they could postpone duty, taxes and fees for 90 days.

The executive order, signed on Sunday, temporarily extends deadlines for importers “suffering significant financial hardship” and was closely followed by a detailed explanation by Customs & Border Protection (CBP).

Source: The Loadstar
 

Railroads are keeping goods rolling amid COVID-19 pandemic

While United States motor carriers have received a well-deserved amount of praise over the last six weeks, of the COVID-19 pandemic, by moving freight such as medical supplies, PPE equipment and gear, groceries, and other essential goods, another mode of freight transportation, namely railroads, have also gone above and beyond in helping and aiding Americans in various ways.

Source: Supply Chain 24/7

 

Brexit transition must be extended, or freight operators won't cope, says BIFA

The freight industry will be unable to cope with significant change in the UK’s trade terms with Europe, if the Brexit transition period is not extended, says BIFA.

BIFA director general Robert Keen labelled a refusal to extend the period as “very risky”.

He said: “BIFA members are in no position to respond to a second massive shock if there is significant change in the terms of trade with the EU at the end of the year, because the government has stuck to its guns over the transition period.”

Source: The Loadstar