SvenskaWe know that an uncertain global situation presents 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 the new reality. Here are the key updates right now:
Strikes in Belgium and Germany:
During the month of March, there have been strikes in both Belgium and Germany. Even though the strikes have only lasted a day or so, they have had a significant impact on traffic, especially air freight, which is experiencing delays. It’s quite possible that further strikes will follow until agreements are reached, which could continue to affect your shipments going forward.
Sea Freight Situation:
Sea freight continues to be impacted by the tense global situation, and transit times remain longer than normal. The following developments are currently affecting the situation:
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Continued rerouting around the African coast: Due to the situation in Gaza, all shipping lines are still rerouting around the African coast, extending lead times by approximately 10–14 days. Given the current state of affairs, this is the new normal until conditions improve. TKL Logistics will keep you updated on the sea freight situation.
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Continued congestion and transshipments in continental ports: As previously reported, European continental ports remain congested, often requiring transshipment of goods. This can lead to unexpected late-stage delays if transshipment takes time. Since late January/early February, sea freight volumes have decreased, and hopefully this will help ports catch up over time. Both import and export shipments are affected, including vessels making direct calls to Gothenburg, as they also stop to unload cargo at these ports. Overall, this means longer transit times for sea shipments.
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Imbalance in container flows:
There is currently a large price difference between the import and export of containers to and from Sweden. This disparity is due to an imbalance in container flows, particularly a shortage in Asia. Low-cost exports are being used as an incentive to bring more containers back. The new tariffs to and from USA might also affect the flows of containers, as containers now are starting to be kept in Chinese ports due to lower demand of Chinese products. This will lead to less containers available, which might increase the prices. It is also probably that many suppliers would like to ship their products during the 90 days tariff pause, which also might increase the rates during this period.
New Tariffs to and from the USA:
Several types of penalty costs have been introduced by the Trump administration. Below is a summary of those affecting your freight costs:
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New tariffs: Since taking office in January, the Trump administration has already implemented several proposals affecting international trade. On April 2nd, a comprehensive tariff package was presented but is currently paused for 90 days for negotiations. In the meantime, a 10% tariff applies to all countries, including the EU. The tariff pause does not apply to China, which has been hit with a 145% tariff. In response, China has imposed a 125% tariff on American goods. The situation remains volatile and how it will evolve is uncertain, but it’s clear that this leads to continued market instability.
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Potential port fees for ships calling in the USA:
A proposal has been introduced that would require both Chinese shipping lines and shipping lines with vessels built in China (even if not owned by China) to pay a fee per port call. If the proposal goes through, it will likely affect Atlantic service by reducing port calls and increasing costs.
Update on EU Regulations:
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Application to become an approved CBAM declarant now open:
From March 31st, you can apply to become an approved CBAM declarant, which is required in order to import CBAM goods starting January 1, 2026. Applications are made via the Swedish Customs website. A guide on how to apply is available here:
https://www.naturvardsverket.se/495a48/contentassets/3e539707ca044b64b780da3616648d05/lathund-ansokan-om-att-bli-godkand-cbam-deklarant-20250331.pdf -
CBAM scope reduction proposed in Omnibus package:
In the Omnibus proposal, which is pending decision, the scope of CBAM would be reduced so that it only applies to companies importing more than 50 tons of CBAM goods per year. No formal decision has been made yet, so affected companies should continue to operate under the assumption that they are still included. We will keep you updated on how this develops. -
Omnibus package awaiting decision:
To reduce administrative burdens and promote growth, the EU Commission has presented a new proposal (Omnibus) that significantly reduces reporting requirements for CSRD and CBAM. This aims to ease the burden on small businesses previously included in the reporting requirements. On April 3, the EU Parliament voted in favor of the “stop the clock” provision, which delays reporting for wave 2 and 3 companies by 2 years from the current timeline. The next step is adjustments to Swedish legislation. There are indications that the full Omnibus package will be voted on in October.
We are closely monitoring developments and will keep you informed of changes that may affect your business. If you have any questions or concerns, as always, you’re warmly welcome to reach out to us.