John S. Connor, Inc.

04/14/2025

John S. Connor President, Butch Connor and VP of Compliance, Matt Kmet recently attended the NCBFAA 2025 Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. The Conference brought together more than 600 international trade industry’s top representatives of the nation’s leading customs brokers, freight forwarders, NVOCCs, OTIs, and service providers to update themselves on industry developments. As the industry deals with the turbulence and chaos of the current administration’s tariff policy thrust on logistics professionals, the pace and timing of the change is very impactful and must be monitored to remain vigilant to inform our team and clients. At John S. Connor, we continue to work diligently for our clients – as we have done through times like these. – for 108 years.

03/12/2025

The anticipated Annex to the original Executive Order (EO) published in the Federal Register, provides details on the additional Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and scope for aluminum derivatives, steel and steel derivatives. The effective date of the increased tariffs is March 12, 2025. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published guidance on how the trade is to report and how the content of steel and aluminum found in derivatives is to be calculated. The full announcements may be found in the links provided in this post.

On February 18, 2025, the anticipated Annex to the original Executive Order (EO) was published in the Federal Register, providing details on the additional Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and scope for aluminum derivatives, steel and steel derivatives. The effective date of the increased tariffs is...

03/12/2025

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided guidance on the amendment to the increased tariffs on goods from Canada were imposed March 4, 2025. As of March 7, 2025, an amendment was provided for goods which qualify for USMCA. For goods that qualify for free entry under USMCA, will not receive the additional 25% duties. Additionally, there is relief provided for potash, which does not qualify for USMCA, however, will only be subject to a 10% increase (rather than the proposed 25%).

On March 6, 2025, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided guidance on the amendment to the increased tariffs on goods from Canada which were imposed March 4, 2025. As of March 7, 2025, an amendment was provided for goods which qualify for USMCA. For goods that qualify for free entry under USMCA...

02/11/2025

On February 10, the U.S. announced increased tariffs on Steel, Steel Derivatives and Aluminum Derivatives imported into the United States. The effective date of the increased tariffs is March 12, 2025. The Executive Order (EO) modifies the scope of the current Section 232 increased tariffs on Steel, Steel Derivatives and Aluminum Derivative imports, which previously allowed for country specific exemptions, general exclusions and quota.

On February 10, the U.S. announced increased tariffs on Steel, Steel Derivatives and Aluminum Derivatives imported into the United States. The effective date of the increased tariffs is March 12, 2025. The Executive Order (EO) modifies the scope of the current Section 232 increased tariffs on Steel,...

02/03/2025

On February 1, the U.S. initiated increased tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China, effective February 4th. These tariffs were enacted through Executive Orders, invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and referencing section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

On February 1, the U.S. initiated increased tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China, effective February 4th. These tariffs were enacted through Executive Orders, invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and referencing section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. Below is a....

01/21/2025

On Monday, members of Maryland companies providing service and support to the offshore wind industry met at Representative Andy Harris’ office in Washington, DC to discuss the benefits of Offshore Wind (OSW) for the state. Legislative Director for Rep. Andy Harris, Travis Trejo, met with the group to review the benefits and economic impacts that OSW can have on Marylanders. There was an open discussion about the perceptions and concerns of Ocean City residents including that the states to our north and south reap tremendous benefits from OSW. The goal was to ask for a reconsideration of the Congressman’s position in light of the economic opportunities and environmental benefits of clean energy and sustainability that OSW presents. We believe the meeting was a step towards building a relationship with Rep. Andy Harris and the offshore wind industry. Those in attendance, pictured from L to R, included Matt Drew, InSight Build, Justin Krebs, AKRF, Teaera Strum, Strum Contracting and Lee Connor, Chairman, John S. Connor Inc. and Travis Trejo.

01/09/2025

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have reached a tentative agreement on all items for a new six-year Master Contract. In a joint statement the two sides agreed to continue to operate under the current contract thus averting any work stoppage on January 15, 2025. Details of the new tentative agreement will not be released to allow ILA rank-and-file members and USMX members to review and approve the final document. https://shorturl.at/HcEJK

01/02/2025

East and Gulf Coast ports longshore union contract negotiations will resume just days before the current contract extension is set to expire. According to sources, bargaining between the ILA and port employers represented by USMX are scheduled to resume January 7th – as current contract extension is set to expire January 15. An individual close to the negotiations, stated that the sides have been talking informally, though neither the ILA nor the USMX have confirmed the resumption of bargaining.

East and Gulf Coast ports longshore union contract negotiations will resume just days before the current contract extension is set to expire. According to sources who spoke to FreightWaves on the condition of anonymity, bargaining between the ILA and port employers represented by USMX are scheduled....

12/12/2024

The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) are currently in protracted labor negotiations, with a critical deadline of January 15, 2025. If a strike is called, expect vessel operations to halt by midnight on January 14, 2025. Failure to reach an agreement by this date could result in labor strikes that would significantly impact major U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports. It is advisable for shippers and forwarders to begin contingency planning and alternative routes.

The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) are currently in protracted labor negotiations, with a critical deadline of January 15, 2025. If a strike is called, expect vessel operations to halt by midnight on January 14, 2025. Failure to reach an...

11/15/2024

The International Longshoremen’s Association has broken off contract negotiations with East and Gulf Coast port employers, accusing them of pushing automation technology into a new coastwise labor pact that would eliminate union jobs. It was reported that USMX introduced language in their proposal for semi-automated equipment to be used at ILA ports, which the ILA union outright rejected, stating this was another attempt by USMX to eliminate ILA jobs with automation.

The International Longshoremen’s Association has broken off contract negotiations with East and Gulf Coast port employers, accusing them of pushing automation technology into a new coastwise labor pact that would eliminate union jobs. The ILA and employers, represented by the United States Maritim...

11/13/2024

On Tuesday, Canada moved to end labor disputes at Vancouver and Montreal ports, pointing to economic damage and the potential for driving away trading partners. The dispute was affecting more than C$1.3 billion ($932 million) in value of goods each day - and had already affected shipments of canola oil, forest products and other goods.

On Tuesday, Canada moved to end labor disputes at Vancouver and Montreal ports, pointing to economic damage and the potential for driving away trading partners. For a second time in recent months the Liberal government stepped in to halt the dispute. Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon said he had dire...

10/03/2024

The Federal Maritime Commission, in an advisory to all regulated entities reminded the ocean shipping industry’s freight forwarders and NVOCCs, that its consumer assistance, enforcement, and litigation services could be useful when seeking relief from current supply chain challenges caused by the East-Gulf Coast port labor strike. Individuals who believe they have been improperly invoiced for any charges, including detention and demurrage, can file a Charge Complaint with the Commission and have their claim rapidly reviewed.

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) in an advisory to all regulated entities reminded the ocean shipping industry’s freight forwarders and NVOCCs that its consumer assistance, enforcement, and litigation services could be useful when seeking relief from current supply chain challenges caused by ...