Recent Headlines: Canceled Bookings; Port Fees; Retail Sales in March
Canceled Bookings See an Uptick –
Both U.S. importers of goods from China as well as Chinese exporters of goods from the U.S., have seen an increase in canceled bookings, due to the high tariffs placed on said goods.
Port Fees on Chinese Vessels –
On April 17th, the U.S. Trade Representative issued a press release with more details on potential port fees on Chinese Vessels. In the press release, the USTR said that all Chinese-built and -owned ships docking in the U.S. would be subject to a fee based on the volume of goods carried, on a per-voyage basis. They say this plan will occur in two phases.
March Retail Sales See Slight Gain –
Retail sales rose 1.4% in March, according to the Commerce Department. Additionally, total sales from January through March this year were up 4.1% from the same time last year.