Tag: Imports

How California is Taking on the Supply Chain

For months, the news cycles and industry blogs have been filled with stories involving worldwide supply chain issues. Now it seems that for the first time in a while, we are seeing some progress being made and it’s coming from a predictably progressive source: California.    With just two California ports handling roughly 40% of... Read more »

Prices on the Rise: Supply & Demand and Transportation Woes Drive Prices Up

The petrochemical market is reacting to volatility and widespread price increases for the past few consecutive months, leaving many buyers wondering what the reasons are behind it. Companies are especially feeling this added pain just as manufacturing makes its attempt at recovery in the post-pandemic world. Simply stated, there are two primary factors driving these... Read more »

How will Coronavirus Impact your Business?

As concern about the spread of COVID-19, commonly known as the coronavirus, continue to develop in the U.S., many companies are beginning to look at the potential economic impacts of this virus on their businesses.  What can you do to prepare? Here is what you need to know: Monitor your Supply Chain Closely Many producers... Read more »

Section 301 Tariff Update

Last September the Trump Administration enacted a 10% tariff on more than $200 billion worth of Chinese goods. Over the past weekend, President Trump announced via Twitter that the tariffs will be increased from 10% to 25% effective May 10, 2019. The increase had initially been slated to go into effect on January 1st, 2019... Read more »

U.S. Puts End to Duty-Free Imports from India and Turkey

On March 4th, the U.S. Trade office under the direction of President Trump, announced that it will be terminating the GSP (Generalized System of Preference) duty-free eligibility for India and Turkey.   The GSP program is intended to help developing nations grow their economy through trade. The announcement cited the reason for termination as being that... Read more »

U.S. West Coast Ports Experiencing Extreme Congestion

With everyone wanting to start the new year off on a good foot, port congestion on the west coast has been causing headaches for importers. The congestion at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach that started around the beginning of the holidays has only gotten worse with no clear end in sight.  High... Read more »

Chemical Industry Impacted by Chinese EPA Crackdown

Air pollution has become a serious concern in Northern regions of China, especially as the area feels the effects of La Nina, a periodic cooling of the surface of the equatorial Pacific Ocean which causes abnormal weather patterns. Beijing was blanked in smog this past week with visibility reported at less than 200 meters, closing... Read more »