After the strikes in October in the ports of the U.S. East and Gulf Coast, the existing collective agreement between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) was extended until January 15, 2025, but further negotiations in November failed. The parties were able to eliminate one of the major points of contention with increases in wage costs. However, there is no agreement in sight on the second major difference on the automation of the handling programs. The ILA is very concerned that many jobs might be replaced in case of mechanical automation is further used. However, the USMX wants to use new technologies to increase the efficiency of port operations and at the same time create new jobs. The last round of talks in November was broken off early because no compromise could be found.The extended contract expires on January 15, 2025. Thus, new strikes are to be expected from January 16, 2025, if no solution is found by then.
For these reasons, massive delays/ cancellations of vessel departures/ spontaneous diversions, as well as considerable additional surcharges may occur. Unfortunately exact consequences can’t be predicted. For any questions please do not hesitate to contact our customer service directly.

We are very pleased to announce the opening of three Interfracht offices in China. From now on, we have our own offices in Shenzhen, Shanghai and Ningbo.

Clark Liu will take over the management of the offices in China. We wish him and his team a successful start and all the best for the joint future.

We are looking forward to a good cooperation.

Interfracht informs: Last week there was an explosion on the container vessel YM Mobility in Ningbo. The exact causes are still being investigated.
However, as a first reaction, the Yang Ming shipping company has excluded class 5.2 dangerous goods from all shipments until further notice. Another shipping company has also joined.
If you have currently planned, booked or already carried out dangerous goods shipments of the mentioned class, please contact our export colleagues, we are glad to assist to find a solution.

Switzerland will lift industrial tariffs on January 1st, 2024. Thus, from the new year, import duties will no longer be levied on industrial products. This applies to the goods of Chapters 25-97 of the Customs Tariff, with some exceptions.

Customs tariff numbers will also be reduced and thus simplified.
These measures are intended to simplify imports into Switzerland and strengthen the economy. Consumers will also be relieved by lower costs.

Please be advised that the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) Season will start again on September 1st.

The BMSB season 2023/24 applies to goods shipped from September 1st 2023 with destination Australia and New Zealand. All packages that come from high risk countries and require fumigation may no longer be sealed with film, wrapped or covered.

For Australia this is valid for departures from Germany until April 30th 2024 and for New Zealad till ETA New Zealand April 30th 2024.