China Eliminates 6% VAT

China Eliminates 6% VAT

Last year we informed you of a new 6% value added tax (VAT) imposed by the Chinese government on international transportation charges paid in China. Freight charges are now officially exempt from this tax, according to a news release posted on the Federal Maritime Commission's (FMC) website. The FMC reports that this exemption, which went…

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2014 Ocean Shipping Outlook

2014 will usher in a record year of ship deliveries for worldwide trade, according to ocean liner analyst Alphaliner. Capacity topping 1.6 million TEU’s (twenty-foot equivalent units) will join the trade this year with 17 of the top 20 carriers adding vessels to their fleets. Vessel size is increasing in anticipation of the Panama Canal…

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Labeling Children’s Products (Free Guide)

Labeling Children’s Products (Free Guide)

Children's products are required to meet special safety standards before they can be imported or sold in the U.S. Importers and manufacturers of these products must also comply with additional labeling requirements. For example, children's products with small parts, small balls, marbles, or latex balloons must be labeled as a choking hazard. Tracking labels are…

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G6 and P3 Carriers? Sounds Complicated.

G6 and P3 Carriers? Sounds Complicated.

Through the year there have been many announcements and articles in the maritime journals about the G6 or P3 carrier groups. What does this mean for future trade? We used to refer to vessel sharing agreements (VSA’s) by the names they were formed under. The Grand Alliance was organized by NYK Line, Hapag-Lloyd and Orient…

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