Since the onset of the 2023 dry season, the Panama Canal has implemented water-saving measures, such as limiting daily transit capacity to approximately 32 vessels and employing techniques like water-saving basins and cross-filling. However, despite these efforts, Gatun Lake levels have reached unprecedented lows due to exceptionally low rainfall in 2023. October's recorded precipitation was the lowest since 1950, making this year the second driest on record. Anticipating a 38% reduction in the remaining year's rainfall, the Canal intends to reduce booking slots to 25 from November 3 to 6, 2023, and further down to 18 from February 1, 2024, until further notice. This step aims to effectively manage declining water levels and delay further draft reductions. The adjusted booking slots and their effective dates are as follows:

- November 3-6: Booking slots reduced to 25.
- November 7-30: Booking slots will be reduced to 24.
- December 1-31: Booking slots will be reduced to 22.
- January 1-31: Booking slots will be reduced to 20.
- From February 1 onwards, until further notice: Booking slots will be reduced to 18.

DP World's terminals in Australia are recovering from a recent cyberattack that prompted the disconnection of computer systems from the Internet. While cargo handling operations are resuming, the Sydney gateway is expected to take up to two weeks to return to normal. The incident coincides with ongoing strikes by dockworkers at DP World's four Australian terminals over new rostering arrangements, including a four-day walkout at the Sydney terminal. The cyberattack has exacerbated delays caused by the industrial action, impacting import and export container movements and raising concerns about added costs in the container logistics chain. DP World Australia has initiated response protocols, actively isolating and containing the incident, but investigations and remediation work are ongoing. The Australian government is collaborating with DP World to address potential consequences and disruptions to the country's supply chains. Read More

The U.S. Department of Commerce has launched extensive investigations into alleged aluminum dumping and subsidies, affecting imports from fifteen trading partners, including China, Indonesia, Mexico, Turkey, and more. These investigations, initiated on October 25, 2023, target unfair trade practices, encompassing both antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations.

The allegations of dumping margins vary significantly, with China facing reported margins as high as 376.85%, while Mexico's dumping margins range from 25.89% to 82.03%. Simultaneously, several of these countries are accused of providing subsidies that exceed de minimis levels set for developing and developed nations. These subsidies take various forms, including financial assistance, credits, and non-market loans, and are under scrutiny due to their potential to distort fair market competition.

The investigation's timeline outlines specific dates for preliminary and final determinations by both the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). These determinations, pivotal for imposing duties, are set to conclude by July 19, 2024, provided there are final affirmative determinations from both entities. Importers involved in aluminum extrusion trade should be prepared for potential disruptions and increased duties, which could impact the industry's cost structure and competitive landscape. Staying proactive, seeking legal counsel, and understanding evolving trade regulations are essential to navigate these potential challenges effectively. The investigation outcomes will significantly shape the aluminum extrusions trade, demanding adaptable responses from importers to manage their operations in a changing industry landscape. For additional information, visit The Federal Register.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is intensifying scrutiny on low-value international shipments through its "Type 86" pilot program, which focuses on de minimis shipments valued at $800 or less. The CBP is processing a growing number of such shipments, reaching almost 2.5 million small packages. The program allows consignees to import one package per day without a formal customs entry, but the CBP is urging customs brokers to have better insight into customers participating in this program. The goal is to enhance awareness of who the customers are and the contents of the shipments, especially concerning the potential entry of illicit goods like fentanyl. The CBP emphasizes collaboration with customs brokers for better visibility into incoming goods. The increased expectations on brokers have raised concerns within the broker community, as they argue that the fees for filing a Type 86 entry are insufficient to justify in-depth knowledge of every shipment's contents. The CBP is also using this initiative to enforce compliance with forced labor regulations, tracking the country of origin on low-value shipments to prevent products tied to suppliers using forced labor from entering the country. As of October 10, a CBP dashboard on enforcement of the Uyghur Force Labor Prevention Act revealed that Malaysia, not China, was the largest country of origin for violations related to forced labor. Read More

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has launched quarterly training webinars and resources aimed at helping small and medium-sized businesses report trade violations that threaten their financial stability and the U.S. economy. These webinars, available to the public for free from November 7, 2023, to September 10, 2024, guide participants in reporting trade violations using the user-friendly Trade Violations Reporting Tool. The initiative was introduced during the 2023 World Korean Business Conference by CBP's Executive Assistant Commissioner, AnnMarie Highsmith, who highlighted their significance in addressing issues like duty evasion and forced labor, which impact American innovation and competitiveness. The Trade Violations Reporting Tool offers increased transparency and communication for those reporting violations throughout the investigation process. Reporters can use the Online Trade Violations Reporting Tool or call 1-800-BE-ALERT. For further information and registration for upcoming webinars, visit CBP's Trade Outreach Webinars.