SvenskaWe know that an uncertain global environment brings challenges for your logistics. That’s why at TKL Logistics we keep you informed about the latest changes that may affect your shipments – and how we can help you navigate this new reality. Here are the key updates right now.
Ocean Freight
This autumn, an overcapacity among carriers is expected, which means there should be more space available on vessels. However, during the spring, carriers have needed to be flexible and shift capacity between the Far East–USA trade lane and the Far East–Europe trade lane. Since no final decision has yet been made on the tariff issue, this capacity shift may continue during the autumn due to the uncertain global environment. If significant capacity is needed to the USA, capacity to Europe may decrease, depending on how the situation develops.
The situation in the Middle East remains unstable, and we still see no return to sailing through the Suez Canal by any carrier. The most recent attacks occurred this summer, and carriers therefore continue to route via Africa.
New direct service to Gothenburg from Asia: Starting week 35, the new carrier alliance Gemini, consisting of Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, will launch a weekly direct service from Asia to the Port of Gothenburg. MSC also offers weekly direct calls from Asia to Gothenburg, and we see it as very positive that several carriers now provide this service to Gothenburg.
Important information on exports of certain metals from China
China’s Ministry of Commerce has introduced export controls on certain medium and heavy metals within the group of rare earth elements. This means that goods suspected of containing such components – for example, magnets – are now subject to customs inspections where Chinese authorities conduct tests to determine the content. This process causes long waiting times at the border. For our customers at TKL Logistics, this affects consolidations involving such goods and may result in shipments being delayed or requiring re-planning.
We are closely monitoring developments and actively working to find solutions to minimize the impact on our customers’ deliveries. If you have questions regarding specific shipments or would like to discuss alternative transport routes, please do not hesitate to contact your account manager at TKL Logistics.
Tariffs in the USA
Extended tariff suspension: On August 12, the United States decided to extend the tariff suspension in trade with China by 90 days, moving the end date to November 10, 2025. During this suspension, tariffs on goods imported into the US from China remain at 30%, while tariffs on goods exported from the US to China remain at 10%. This provides short-term increased predictability in trade flows between the US and China, but uncertainty remains beyond November.
New tariff agreement between the USA and EU: On July 27, the US and EU reached a new tariff agreement for trade between the two markets. The main rule is a 15% tariff on most EU goods exported to the US (including cars/automotive parts, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors), while steel, aluminum, and copper continue to face a 50% tariff. However, some goods are fully exempt, such as aircraft and parts, certain chemicals, generic pharmaceuticals, semiconductor equipment, selected agricultural products, and critical raw materials. As part of the agreement, the EU will suspend its counter-tariffs for six months starting August 4, 2025.
Update on EU Regulations
CBAM: As previously mentioned, the EU is planning within its Omnibus package to reduce the scope of CBAM. This includes introducing a new de-minimis threshold of 50 tons per importer, exempting around 90% of companies. For affected companies, simplified authorization, easier emissions calculations, and clearer verification rules will be introduced. The purchase of CBAM certificates is also planned to be postponed from 2026 to February 2027, and the annual declaration deadline moved to the end of August. No final decision has been made yet, and we therefore remind you that it will still be mandatory to be an approved CBAM declarant in order to import CBAM goods as of January 1, 2026. Make sure to submit your application to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency in time, as they currently have up to 120 days of processing time. Many applications also require additional documentation. The chances of approval increase with a complete application, therefore we strongly recommend following the application guide available on the Agency’s website.
ICS2: ICS2, an EU system aimed at improving the security of goods entering the EU, will become fully mandatory for all modes of transport as of September 1, 2025. In practice, this means authorities will apply stricter scrutiny of goods descriptions. If a shipment contains incomplete or vague descriptions, it may be rejected or result in fines.
To avoid flagging or delays, please ensure your shipment documents include:
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A clear goods description in plain English: what it is, what it is made of, what it is used for.
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HS code (at least 6 digits) for each item line.
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Full shipper/consignee address and EORI number (where applicable).
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Information on weight and number of packages, plus any UN number.
For more details, you can find the EU Commission’s list of goods descriptions that will no longer be accepted here: https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/document/download/ea68a0c7-a2d3-4bc1-9bed-ebc149c920f0_en?filename=guidance_acceptable_goods_description_en.pdf
We continue to closely monitor developments and will keep you updated on any changes that may affect your business. If you have any questions or concerns, you are always welcome to reach out to us at TKL Logistics.