Supply Chain & Freight Update | US, UK & Europe – September 11, 2026

Supply Chain & Freight Market Update: USA, UK & European Union

We are sharing the latest logistics market overview, vessel capacity, freight rate trends and critical customs compliance updates for shipments bound for the United States, United Kingdom and EU markets as we enter the Q4 peak shipping season.

United States Market

Transpacific ocean freight rates keep rising amid strong peak-season demand. Space for US West Coast and US Gulf ports remains tight. Carriers are implementing blank sailings to manage capacity.

● Booking recommendation: We advise customers to secure space at least 3 weeks in advance for shipments to US West / East Coast.

● Customs reminder: The T86 low-value exemption has been permanently removed. All imports require formal customs filing. CBP strengthens IOR (Importer of Record) verification. Undervalued declarations or missing local importer information will risk cargo holds and penalties.

● Landside & tariff: Port and drayage capacity remains unstable at selected US west ports. New retaliatory tariffs between US and Canada will increase inland intermodal costs for cross-border cargo.

European Union (EU)

Asia-North Europe spot freight rates have seen a mild drop recently, while import volumes keep growing. Overall vessel capacity is relatively sufficient compared with transpacific trades.

● Port & inland: Trucking shortage in the Netherlands, low water levels on the Rhine River, and draft restrictions at Salerno port may cause delays for inland delivery.

Key regulatory alerts:

1. EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation): Will enter into force on 30 December 2026. Importers of wood, rubber, cocoa, coffee and covered commodities must complete due diligence and supply chain traceability documentation to avoid customs detention.

2. New steel traceability rules effective 1 Oct 2026: Steel cargo needs full casting-source proof, leading to longer clearance lead time.

3. Since July 2026, parcels under €150 are no longer duty-exempt. A fixed €3 customs duty plus VAT applies to each B2C small parcel.

4. Amazon FBA: Starting 1 Sep, the delivery window for cross-border shipments to UK/DE/FR/IT/ES FBA is shortened from 14 days to 7 days. Non-EU sellers must provide valid EORI & MRN for pan-EU FBA shipments.

United Kingdom

Two major compliance deadlines require immediate attention:

1. ENS Safety Declaration (deadline: 30 Sep 2026). Fields for VRN vehicle registration number and container/trailer ID must be correctly filled. Placeholder words such as “truck/trailer”, blank entries or special characters will result in cargo being rejected for loading or detained at customs. Please audit your ENS submission templates now.

2. Steel import duty-free quotas have been cut by 51%. Cargo exceeding quota will face 50% import tariff.

Red Sea & Suez Canal Update

Selected east-west services from Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have resumed Suez Canal transit instead of routing around the Cape of Good Hope. This is a partial, limited trial only. The security risk remains unpredictable. Carriers reserve the right to re-route vessels anytime.

Air Freight

Air freight fuel surcharges are trending upward. Peak air capacity will be tight in mid-September onwards. We recommend booking air shipments 1–2 weeks ahead.

Our Advice for Shippers

1. USA: Book early and reserve buffer time for port & drayage delays. Double-check IOR information and customs valuation.

2. EU: Complete compliance preparation for EUDR, steel traceability and EPR packaging obligations before shipment.

3. UK: Immediately review ENS declaration data to avoid non-compliance. For steel goods, calculate tariff costs against quota limits.

If you need route-specific capacity plans, compliance document checklists or shipment scheduling advice, please contact our logistics team.