Flexport

Attended a really insightful webinar by Flexport on Supply Chain Optimization (SCO) yesterday and it gave me a lot to think about. A few key takeaways that stood out: • Building a continuous improvement rhythm is critical small, consistent optimizations can unlock significant long-term savings • Anticipating network shifts early (instead of reacting late) is a real competitive advantage • Integrating procurement decisions with logistics can drive both cost efficiency and sustainability What I found especially interesting was how data + AI-driven insights are being used not just to reduce freight costs, but also to uncover hidden margins and improve decision-making. Great session with practical insights for anyone working in supply chain, operations, or logistics. #SupplyChain #Logistics #Optimization #DataDriven #AI #Operations #Flexport

On April 7, join us for an urgent briefing on changes to Section 232 tariffs on aluminum, steel, and copper imports. We’ll explore how the updated tariffs are calculated and applied, new rate tiers, which products are newly exempt and which remain in scope, special provisions and reduced rates, and next steps for importers and brokers. Sign up here: https://flx.to/232-wbn-LI

This week in global logistics: changes to steel, aluminum, and copper tariffs; upcoming pharmaceutical tariffs; updates on U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)’s automated IEEPA refund system; blank sailings on the TPEB, FEWB, and TAWB; and rising fuel surcharges on ex-China air routes. 📌 U.S. Modifies Steel, Aluminum, and Copper Tariffs: On April 6, 2026, the U.S. will reduce Section 232 duties on steel, aluminum, and copper derivative products from 50% to 25%, while maintaining a 50% rate on many steel, aluminum, and copper articles listed in Chapters 72-76 of the HTSUS. These tariffs will apply to the full value of the product—not just the product’s steel, aluminum, or copper content. 🧬 Upcoming Pharmaceutical Tariffs: Patented drugs manufactured by companies without most-favored-nation drug pricing deals will be subject to a 100% Section 232 tariff, set to take effect in 120 days for certain large companies and in 180 days for smaller companies. Companies that reshore production to the U.S., as well as certain trading partners, will be eligible for reduced rates. 🚨 IEEPA Refund Updates: Several entry types will not be eligible for refunds under Phase 1 of CAPE, the first version of CBP’s upcoming automated IEEPA refund system. These include reconciliation entries, drawback claims, open protests, and more. 🚢 Ocean Freight Trends: • Blank sailings on the TPEB, FEWB, and TAWB as carriers attempt to optimize vessel utilization and offset port congestion • Operational disruptions at key ports in China, Singapore, and Northern Europe  • Upcoming rate increases expected on the TPEB and TAWB ✈️ Air Freight Trends: • Ongoing impacts of the Middle East conflict: rising fuel surcharges on ex-China routes, persistent backlogs and capacity constraints on ex-South Asia routes, and more • Strong demand and limited capacity on some ex-Taiwan routes, driven by the traditional peak season Read the full newsletter and subscribe for future updates: https://flx.to/040226-LI #supplychain #logistics #freightmarket #freightindustry #oceanfreight #oceancargo #oceanshipping #airfreight #aircargo #airshipping #trucking #intermodal #railfreight

At least two webinars next week worth clearing your calendar for. On Tuesday: find out what's happening in the freight market right now — rates, capacity, and what's driving change across Europe. With Milena Milenkovic, Ivana Menalo and Jannik Amstutz On Thursday: see what a supply chain looks like when it stops reacting and starts predicting. With Mathijs Slangen, Eric Young and Marnix van Dishoeck Links in the comments. 👇

Last week, we brought Flexport Forward Europe to Italy 🇮🇹 for a special day at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello. We spent the day with our clients and partners who make global trade happen every day - all set in a venue that truly reflects innovation and precision. Throughout the day, we shared insights on global trade, product updates and connected with the people driving Italy’s supply chains forward - including a ‘Il Domani del Commercio Italiano’ panel discussion with Paolo Guidi and Luigi Giordano. Italy is one of our fastest-growing markets. We’re three years in, continuing to invest in our local team and capabilities and days like this remind us why. Biggest thank you to everyone who joined us and made the day so memorable!🙌 🎥 See the highlights from the event below #ForwardItaly #Flexport #GlobalTrade #SupplyChain #Italy 

[LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER] Tomorrow (April 2), join us for a webinar on Flexport’s Supply Chain Optimization (SCO) tool, the latest addition to our Control Tower suite. Learn how SCO combines real-time booking data with AI-powered inputs to reduce freight spend, enables automation with guardrails, and captures hidden margin. Save your spot: https://lnkd.in/ey3WfV8i

On April 9, join Flexport’s Nathan Strang, Kyle Beaulieu, and David Grinevald at our next North America Freight Market Update Live webinar. We’ll discuss the latest on North America operations, ports, and labor; the Trans-Pacific Eastbound (TPEB); and the air freight market. Sign up here: https://flx.to/apr-fmu-LI

CEO Ryan Petersen joined the Prof G Media Pod to share what Flexport is seeing across the ocean market, as the Middle East conflict drives bunker fuel prices up 87% and carriers fully return to Cape of Good Hope diversions. Ryan also broke down the broader ripple effects of rising energy costs, from potential price spikes in consumer goods to major disruptions across agricultural supply chains. Watch the full segment here: https://flx.to/prof-G-LI Keep up with the latest updates on ocean and air operations on our Middle East escalation blog: https://lnkd.in/eqwWzK7S

Several entry types will not be eligible for refunds under Phase 1 of the upcoming CAPE system, the first version of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)’s automated IEEPA refund system. These include reconciliation entries, drawback claims, open protests, and more. Flexport advises all customers, including those filing reconciliation and claiming drawback, to file protests with CBP. Check out our blog for the full update: https://lnkd.in/eTFAvrpn

How has the online community impacted Portland Leather Goods, a Flexport customer and leather artisan with a devoted fanbase? According to Portland Leather’s CFO Morgan Becker, cultivating customer loyalty has expanded the brand’s social media presence, facilitated authentic community, and even streamlined customer service ⬇️ Check out the full Supply Chain Therapy episode here: https://lnkd.in/ejE5hz8f