Trade & Logistics Brief: Tariff Refunds, Freight Shifts & FTZ Strategy

Global Shipping Advisory: Rising Fuel Costs, Carrier Surcharges, and Regulatory Oversight Amid Middle East Disruptions

Recent geopolitical developments in the Middle East are beginning to impact global shipping markets, particularly through rising fuel costs and new carrier surcharges.

Escalating tensions in the region have disrupted energy infrastructure and shipping activity near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. Approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply normally transits through this corridor, making any instability in the region immediately relevant to global transportation markets.

As tensions have intensified, global oil prices have surged—briefly exceeding $100 per barrel—driving higher marine bunker fuel costs and prompting ocean carriers to adjust their pricing structures.



It is important to note that the impact is not limited to cargo moving through the Middle East. Because fuel represents one of the largest operating costs for ocean carriers, changes in energy markets can affect shipping networks worldwide.



Impact on Ocean Freight

In response to rising fuel costs and operational uncertainty, several major ocean carriers have begun implementing Emergency Bunker Surcharges (EBS) and other fuel-related adjustments across multiple trade lanes.

Industry analysts expect continued volatility in freight pricing as energy markets respond to developments in the region.

Surcharge Levels Emerging in the Market

Across several trade lanes, recently announced surcharges and rate adjustments have ranged approximately from:

• $900 – $3,000 per container in general surcharges

• Up to $4,000 per container in peak-season surcharges on certain India–U.S. routes

These adjustments reflect both fuel volatility and broader operational concerns tied to the region.

What This Means for Shippers

Given the current market conditions, shippers may begin to see:

• Fuel-related surcharges added to freight quotations

• Rate adjustments on existing bookings depending on carrier policies

• Increased volatility in freight pricing across global trade lanes

• Potential routing adjustments if carriers modify services in response to regional risks

Why Cargo Insurance Matters: Recent Attacks on Commercial Vessels

Recent events in global shipping have provided a stark reminder of why cargo insurance remains a critical component of international trade risk management. Over the past several days, multiple commercial vessels have been struck near the Strait of Hormuz.



Among the vessels damaged was the container ship ONE Majesty, which was hit by a projectile during the series of attacks targeting commercial shipping in the region. Several other vessels—including tankers and bulk carriers—were also struck, with fires reported and crews forced to evacuate.



The Financial Risk for Cargo Owners

When a vessel is attacked, damaged, detained, or declared a general average casualty, cargo owners without marine insurance may face significant financial exposure.

Without insurance coverage, shippers can be responsible for:

• Cargo loss or damage
• Contributions to general average claims
• Salvage and recovery costs
• Cargo delays or loss of the shipment entirely

In high-value shipments, even a single container can represent tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in cargo value.



For that reason, marine insurance is widely considered one of the most important safeguards in global logistics. While it does represent an added cost, it is often a very small percentage of the cargo’s total value and can protect against catastrophic losses when unforeseen events occur.



A Preventative Approach

At Interport Logistics, we have long recommended that clients secure cargo insurance when moving international shipments.

Events like the recent vessel attacks highlight why this precaution is so important.

In an increasingly volatile global environment—whether the risk comes from geopolitical conflict, piracy, accidents, or severe weather—proper cargo insurance ensures that your business is protected when unexpected disruptions occur.

A Competitive Advantage Many Companies Are Still Missing – FTZ for Domestic Cargo

In today’s supply chain environment, the companies gaining an edge are not just negotiating better freight rates — they are redesigning how their logistics infrastructure works.

One of the most underutilized tools available to U.S. companies today is the Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) program. While many organizations associate FTZs strictly with import duty deferral, the reality is that they can serve as a powerful financial and operational strategy across both international and domestic cargo flows.



Companies that integrate FTZs into their distribution model often gain advantages in cash flow, customs cost reduction, inventory control, and operational flexibility — benefits that can compound over time and create meaningful competitive differentiation.

Yet many companies still overlook how these programs can support their broader supply chain strategy.

The Hidden Advantage of Foreign Trade Zones — Even for Domestic Cargo

Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) are often viewed purely as a tool for importers to defer duties. While that is certainly one of the benefits, it only scratches the surface of what zones can do for modern supply chains.

In reality, FTZs can serve as a strategic platform for both international and domestic cargo, offering financial, operational, and risk-management advantages that many companies are still not fully utilizing.

With facilities in Los Angeles and Miami, Interport works with companies that use FTZ programs not just to manage imports, but to improve cash flow, reduce fees, and create flexibility across their entire logistics operation.

Significant Cost Savings Through Weekly Entry

One of the most powerful financial benefits of the FTZ program is the ability to utilize Weekly Entry procedures.

Instead of filing a customs entry for every individual shipment, multiple shipments arriving throughout the week can be consolidated into a single customs entry. This allows companies to cap the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF), which is currently limited to $614.35 per entry.

Without weekly entry, companies moving frequent shipments may pay this fee repeatedly throughout the week. With an FTZ, that same volume can be consolidated under a single entry.

For companies with consistent import volumes, this can translate into tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual savings.

For CFOs and CEOs focused on improving margins, this is often one of the most immediate financial advantages.

Improved Cash Flow Through Duty Deferral

Cargo admitted into an FTZ is not considered formally imported into U.S. commerce until it leaves the zone.

This allows companies to delay duty payments until the cargo is actually needed for domestic distribution, improving working capital and inventory financing flexibility.

For businesses carrying large inventories, the ability to control when duties are paid can have a meaningful impact on cash flow and balance sheet management.

Operational Protection Against Port and Airport Charges

Foreign Trade Zones can also serve as an important operational buffer when issues arise.

If a shipment encounters customs holds, documentation issues, or regulatory inspections, cargo can often be transferred into the FTZ instead of sitting at the port or airport accumulating demurrage or storage charges.

This flexibility can help companies avoid costly delays while resolving compliance or documentation issues.

Duty Elimination for Export Programs

Another key advantage applies to cargo that ultimately leaves the United States.

If goods admitted into an FTZ are exported rather than entered into U.S. commerce, no U.S. duties are paid.

This benefit still applies even if the cargo undergoes approved manipulation activities within the zone, such as kitting or assembly, repackaging or labeling, sorting or consolidation.

Turning Logistics into a Strategic Advantage

In today’s environment of rising logistics costs, regulatory complexity, and global uncertainty, supply chains must do more than simply move cargo from point A to point B.

They must support financial efficiency, operational flexibility, and risk mitigation.

Foreign Trade Zones provide companies with a tool that addresses all three.



Interport operates FTZ facilities in Los Angeles and Miami, supporting companies with distribution, cargo manipulation, export preparation, and strategic inventory management.

For companies evaluating ways to reduce logistics costs while improving supply chain agility, an FTZ strategy can be an important part of that conversation.