Global Deals, Weak Peak: EU Agreement & Transpacific Trends

U.S.–EU Trade Agreement Finalized Just Before Tariff Deadline

President Trump announced a major U.S.–EU trade deal on July 27, just days ahead of the August 1 tariff deadline.

✔ 15% tariff on most EU imports (autos included)

✔ $750B in U.S. energy exports to EU

✔ $600B in new EU investment in the U.S.

✔ $109B in retaliatory tariffs avoided

✔ Commitments to purchase U.S. defense equipment

Steel and aluminum tariffs remain at 50%, described as a “global baseline.” This deal follows similar agreements with Japan, UK, China, and others—pointing to 15% as the new standard for many U.S. trading partners.

Planning August/September cargo? Now’s the time to lock in space and reduce risk.

Transpacific Freight Rates Continue Downward Slide

Ongoing uncertainty over U.S.–China tariff policy is weighing on the Transpacific freight market. A 90-day extension in trade negotiations is expected, and spot container rates continue to fall as demand remains soft. No GRIs or PSSs expected for August 1.

MSC has suspended a PSW service, and carriers are ramping up blank sailings and pulling extra-loaders from Transpacific lanes. The Q2 front-loading boom has passed, and traditional peak season (Aug–Oct) now looks weak.

Unless there’s a market shock or aggressive capacity management, rates may continue downward through Q3.

DOJ Cracks Down on Customs Duty Evasion

The Department of Justice reached a $4.9M settlement with a U.S. importer accused of duty evasion on Chinese aluminum.

Violations included false customs declarations, mislabeling goods, and failure to correct entries.

• The case was filed under the False Claims Act with whistleblower support.

• Importers are reminded: you are liable, even if you're not the importer of record. Customs compliance matters more than ever.

Tariff Revenue Hits Historic Highs

The U.S. collected $27B in tariffs in July and over $150B year-to-date. President Trump has floated the idea of rebate checks for taxpayers using tariff revenue. While still vague, it reflects how central tariffs have become to U.S. trade and domestic policy.

Consumer Behavior Shifts as De Minimis Ends

New rules ending the “de minimis” exemption are already changing consumer habits. A recent survey shows:

✔ 45% of U.S. shoppers have reduced or stopped buying from platforms like Shein and Temu

✔ More packages are now subject to duties, raising costs and affecting small-parcel flows

CBP Fee Increases Take Effect October 1, 2025

U.S. Customs has announced fee increases under the FAST Act. While the ad valorem MPF rate (0.3464%) remains unchanged, other fees will rise. Plan ahead for Q4 budgeting and import cost adjustments.

Key Takeaways

• U.S.–EU deal brings stability, but 15% tariffs are the new norm

• Freight rates continue to slide with little peak season demand

• Capacity cuts are increasing, but not yet enough to halt the rate decline

• Enforcement is up—accurate declarations and sourcing transparency are critical

• CBP fee hikes start October 1—adjust financial models now

Need help navigating rates, tariff planning, or customs compliance?

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