The White House Announcement   President Biden’s economic plan is supporting investments and creating good jobs in key sectors that are vital for America’s economic future and national security. China’s unfair trade practices concerning technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation are threatening American businesses and workers. China is also flooding global markets with artificially low-priced exports. In response to China’s unfair trade practices and to counteract the resulting harms, today, President Biden is directing his Trade Representative to increase tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 on $18 billion of imports from China to protect American workers and businesses. The Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda has already catalyzed more than $860 billion in business investments through

The Panama Canal, a Vital Link in Global Trade The Panama Canal’s recent announcement of increased ship transits is a promising development for ocean carrier executives. As container shipping continues to avoid the Suez Canal, the additional capacity provided by the Panama Canal will be crucial. However, the liner industry is urging Panama to invest more in addressing the impact of climate change on the canal.  Encouraging Signs Amidst Challenges    Starting in the second half of May, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) plans to allow 31 ships to transit the canal daily, up from the previous 24 ships during the first half of the month. This expansion is a positive step, but it’s essential to recognize the long-term challenges

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is taking significant steps to address broker fraud, a serious issue that affects many companies in the freight forwarding and customs brokerage industry. Broker fraud can have severe implications for these companies, disrupting their operations and causing financial losses. This blog post will delve into the FMCSA’s recent actions to combat broker fraud, providing an in-depth analysis of the situation.  FMCSA’s Focus on Broker Fraud    The FMCSA has recently sharpened its focus on broker fraud. While a broker transparency rule is pending, the FMCSA has taken other measures to address this issue, including the establishment of a new Registration Fraud Team. This team is expected to play a crucial role in identifying

Caution in Commerce: The Risks of Relying on Overseas Suppliers for Tariff Advice In the complex world of international trade, importers face a myriad of regulations, tariffs, and quotas that can significantly impact the cost and feasibility of bringing products into the United States. With the global marketplace more interconnected than ever, it’s crucial for businesses to understand the legal and financial implications of importing goods. This is where the expertise of a U.S. Customs Broker becomes invaluable.  Understanding Tariffs and Quotas  Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods, and they vary widely depending on the product and its country of origin. Quotas, on the other hand, limit the quantity of a certain good that can be imported within a

How AB5 Legislation Affects the Logistics Landscape In the ever-evolving world of logistics and freight forwarding, staying ahead of legal and regulatory changes is not just prudent—it’s essential. The recent Assembly Bill 5 (AB5) in California has sent ripples across the industry, and it’s crucial for companies like John S. James Co. to understand its implications. Then-Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, D-San Diego, speaks in July 2019 at a rally in Sacramento for AB5 What is AB5? AB5, also known as the “gig worker bill,” is legislation that was signed into law in California. It redefines the criteria for classifying workers as independent contractors versus employees. Under AB5, a worker is considered an employee unless the hiring entity demonstrates that the worker

Taking Ownership of the Shift: How John S. James Co. Facilitates Nearshoring from China to Mexico In the ever-evolving landscape of global manufacturing, a significant shift is underway. Companies are increasingly diversifying their production lines, moving away from traditional manufacturing hubs like China and turning towards more geographically proximate nations such as Mexico. This strategic move, known as nearshoring, is not just a trend but a transformative approach to supply chain management in response to the complex challenges of modern trade. The Great Reallocation: A New Era of Manufacturing The concept of nearshoring has gained traction as businesses seek to mitigate risks and capitalize on the benefits of closer geographic proximity to their consumer bases. The recent disruptions caused by