Traffic info about Air Freight

Important information about transport worldwide

Here you will find important traffic information on worldwide Air Freight. You are, of course, always more than welcome to reach out to your local Blue Water contact for further information.

10 April 2025

Changed tariffs on imports into the US

For the next 90 days, all countries except China will be subject to a 10% provisional tariff on goods imported into the US. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has outlined specific transition rules and conditions that will determine whether goods are exempt from the additional 10% reciprocal duty.

At Blue Water, we are closely monitoring developments. Please contact your local Blue Water representative for guidance on shipments if you have any questions.

4 April 2025

New US tariffs on imports from the EU

On April 2, the US government announced the imposition of a 20% tariff on all goods imported from the European Union (EU), which will take effect on April 9, 2025. This significant change is part of a wider shift in US trade policy and is expected to impact a wide range of industries and supply chains.

At Blue Water, we are closely monitoring developments and remain in direct dialogue with our US customs broker to ensure we have the most accurate and up-to-date information.

What this means for our customers who imports from the EU to the US:

• This is likely to impact cost structures and customs clearance for affected shipments.
• All goods originating in the EU and entering the US on or after 9 April may be subject to an additional 20% import duty. Goods already loaded and in transit before 5 April 2025 will not be affected.
• We expect further ripple effects in global trade, especially if the EU and other trading partners respond with counter actions.

We understand that these changes may cause uncertainty. That is why we are here to support you with clear guidance, proactive planning and continuous logistics solutions. Our teams are looking into the options on affected trade lanes and are ready to help with tariff classification, customs clearance and minimising potential disruption to your supply chain.

We will continue to provide timely updates as the situation evolves. Should you have any immediate concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact your local Blue Water representative.

September 2024

Navigating air cargo during peak season

As we approach the end of the year, various international holidays and celebrations lead to heightened purchasing and consumption. This peak buying season often leads to inventory shortages and unforeseen transportation delays. To mitigate within these challenges, many shippers typically increases their air freight shipments to ensure product availability.

However, due to the rapid growth of e-commerce, mainly driven by major retailers such as Shein, Temu and Alibaba, shippers may find themselves facing higher prices and less availability for air capacity this year. Where once there was sufficient capacity to meet demand, e-commerce now accounts for a significant proportion of available space, estimated at 20-25% of global tonnage and up to 60-70% on the transpacific trades.

In addition, sea freight disruptions - such as ships rerouting to avoid the Red Sea, port congestion, and a potential US port labour strikes - are leading to higher sea freight rates. FEU rates have increased by almost 300% compared to this time last year, making air transport a more attractive option.

Given these global developments, it is critical to prepare for the peak air freight season. A well-planned approach will help ensure timely and reliable deliveries despite challenging market conditions.

Frequent forecasts and prioritisation planning with Blue Water

At Blue Water, we believe in proactive planning and collaboration. We can help you manage these peak season pressures by sharing accurate forecasts and maintaining readiness. Here are the key actions to consider:

• Share forecasts with us early and more often during peak periods
• Schedule regular calls with your Blue Water contact person to review forecast versus actual shipments and adjust plans accordingly
• Communicate priority needs of your cargo
• Plan for potential delays by breaking large orders into smaller, more frequent shipments
• Set clear delivery dates. Consider last-mile solutions to avoid distribution centres, saving time and money

By following these guidelines, you can better manage peak season air complexity and keep your business agile and responsive. Please do not hesitate to contact your Blue Water representative for further information or assistance with your shipments.

August 2021

Covid-19 continues to affect Air Freight to/from China 

During the past weeks, we have experienced flights from Asia being cancelled due to several local COVID-19 outbreaks. This has resulted in lack of uplifts as well as delays due to tighter restrictions on the ground.

Especially, Pudong Airport (PVG) is seriously hit, and this has created a domino in all the other Chinese airports as PVG is the largest cargo handling airport in China. Rate levels have increased again because of the situation, and many shipments face delays or even cancelations.

We see the situation affecting the Eastbound cargo as limited volumes are offloaded in PVG to secure more ground time to load Westbound volumes on the flights.

At Blue Water, we continue to monitor the situation, and we constantly seek alternatives.

Please reach out to your local Blue Water contacts for the latest updates on the above. Rest assured that we are always dedicated to move your shipments in the best possible way.

January 2021

DAP & DDP to the USA – Important info about Power of Attorney

Blue Water Shipping offers and recommends its customers DAP or DDP solutions within the USA. This means the customer will have control of his/her shipments from A to Z.

When you choose a DDP solution, Blue Water should be pleased to assist with customs clearance. In this connection, a Power of Attorney (POA) should always be filled in.

US Customs Border Protection (CBP) has stringent requirements regarding signatures and documentation in relation to issue of POA. CBP requires a copy of driver’s license or passport to accompany the POA, and also that the two persons signing the POA must hold a C title: CEO, CCO, COO etc. Other titles will not be accepted.

If you have any questions to the above, please feel free to approach your local Blue Water contact.