On February 23, 2024, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued a Final Rule intended to add clarity to invoicing requirements outlined in the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (OSRA 2022). In particular, the Final Rule provides minimum information for demurrage and detention (D&D) invoices and procedures for disputing charges. D&D invoices have created a host of issues for importers and shippers throughout the economy, especially as they relate to the lack of information provided on the invoices.

Sanctions Designations and Business Advisory Issued by OFAC and the U.S. State Department

On February 23, 2024, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) and Department of State together announced more than 500 sanctions designations targeting government officials, companies, and individuals in Russia and beyond.  The sanctions, which the U.S. stated were intended…

On February 14, 2024, the Cornerstone Chemical Company (the “Cornerstone” or “Petitioner”), filed a petition for the imposition of antidumping duties on imports from Germany, India, Japan, the Netherlands, Qatar, and Trinidad and Tobago and countervailing duties on imports of melamine from Germany, India, Qatar, and Trinidad and Tobago. 

SCOPE OF THE INVESTIGATION

The following…

On January 24, 2024, the AJM Packaging Corporation (“AJM”), Aspen Products, Inc. (“Aspen”), Dart Container Corporation (“Dart”), Hoffmaster Group, Inc. (“Hoffmaster”), Huhtamaki Americas, Inc. (“Huhtamaki”), and Unique Industries, Inc. (“Unique”), collectively known as the American Paper Plate Coalition (the “APPC” or “Petitioner”), filed a petition for the imposition of antidumping duties on imports of certain…

  • Many of the rate hikes represent almost a 100% increase in shipping rates
  • The special permission is not only to increase the rates and charges, but these increases are effective immediately as they also waive the FMC’s required 30-day notice period for increasing rates
  • Absent significant military or diplomatic action, our expectation is that these circumstances will not disappear quickly

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has granted special permission to ocean carriers to immediately increase the rates on containers that are being rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope in Africa or are retaining feeder vessels for pickup of cargo at high-risk ports in the Red Sea due to increased hostilities. Since mid-November 2023, Houthi rebels based in Yemen have attacked Red Sea shipping bound for Israel or linked to Israeli ports. Reported security incidents have ranged from outright attacks, approaches, and business interruptions to mere sightings.

Executive Order Imposes New Russia Sanctions for Foreign Financial Institutions and Prohibits Additional Russian Imports

On December 22, 2023, President Biden issued Executive Order 14114, which amended previous Executive Orders in order to authorize the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) to impose additional Russia-related sanctions on foreign financial institutions and…

On December 29, 2023, the U.S. Glass Producers Coalition (“GPC” or “Petitioner”) filed a petition for the imposition of antidumping duties on imports of certain glass wine bottles from the People’s Republic of China, the United Mexican States, and Chile as well as the imposition of countervailing duties on imports of certain glass wine bottles…