March 2022

US to hike tariffs, restrict imports/ exports as Russian sanctions expand (From Sandler Travis & Rosenberg)

The president issued March 11 an executive order that prohibits U.S. imports of seafood, alcoholic beverages, and non-industrial diamonds from Russia.  For more info, please go to

https://www.strtrade.com/trade-news-resources/str-trade-report/trade-report/march/u-s-to-hike-tariffs-restrict-imports-and-exports-as-russia-sanctions-expand?mkt_tok=NzIzLVdPWi00NDYAAAGDGcEd-EnnF4lkOAOdyZ48E8qKaqPvty6jGT7IvORxA6-fIqjfeen62IAr24eH1Skdz9On9Y_CgN0wIMhJpwHhXzP2mUqGrvNQtDZm0LU#utm_source=tradereport&utm_medium=email

ED Note:  As we publish this, the US has moved to remove Russia from Most Favored Nation trading status, along with the G7 countries.  This will mean that essentially ALL goods from Russia will be dutiable at the highest rates!

Ukraine invasion sending fuel prices MUCH higher 

Expect rates in all transportation modes, especially warehousing, to remain high, maybe go higher depending on whether other sources can be found.  The US has plenty of oil and coal but current policies rules are keeping producers from extracting it.  If our government changes its energy policies, the cost of energy could eventually stabilize and perhaps come down.  This may also occur if OPEC countries increase production, but even so, it would be many months before any relief is felt.  Please plan your orders accordingly.

Lufthansa Cargo increases Airfreight Surcharge to 0.75 USD per kg

The sum of cost components in our airfreight surcharge has increased in the past weeks. Consequently, Lufthansa Cargo is increasing its Airfreight Surcharge, effective March 28, 2022, from 0.65 to 0.75 USD per kg chargeable freight weight. Please note, the AWB issue date, not the flight date, determines the applicable Airfreight Surcharge.

ED Note:  Lufthansa Cargo increased its Airfreight SurchargeMarch 14, 2022, from 0.60 to 0.65 USD per kg chargeable freight weight.  We expect other airlines to follow suit. Further, because of the war in Ukraine, please expect disruptions in air freight.