The US’ de minimis program, which ended in May, allowed importers one shipment per day valued at $800 or less to clear customs duty-free and with minimal data elements.
The resistance came primarily from Expeditors International, with sources saying the forwarder flagged ongoing uncertainty around the insurance premium implications of a Suez routing.
While the alliance will strengthen its presence in Southeast Asia, the refined network to be rolled out in April has removed several direct calls in other parts of Asia.