March 2026 Compliance Monthly Report for the International Logistics Industry: Three Core Risk Warnings on Tariffs, Customs Clearance, and Ports
 
In March 2026, the international logistics industry witnessed intensive policy adjustments. Risks have concentrated in three key areas: tariffs, customs clearance, and port operations, posing major challenges to freight forwarders and foreign trade enterprises. Details are as follows:
 
Tariff Risks: The EU’s new tariff rules for small parcels, U.S. IOR compliance requirements, and the UK’s zero-tariff policy for offshore wind power have collectively raised global tariff compliance standards, increasing risks of under-declaration and false declaration.
 
Customs Clearance Risks: New U.S. IOR regulations have extended customs clearance by 3–5 days; congestion at Southeast Asian ports has caused delays in customs clearance and transshipment; and Eid al-Fitr restrictions in Indonesia have further narrowed the customs clearance time window.
 
Port Risks: The situation in the Middle East has led to vessel diversions and higher fuel surcharges. Severe congestion at major Southeast Asian hub ports and the imposition of fuel surcharges on domestic trade routes have driven overall logistics costs up by 20%–30%.
 
Industry Recommendations
 
- Establish a monthly compliance review mechanism to track global tariff, customs clearance, and port policy updates on a monthly basis, adjust logistics plans promptly, and avoid risks from policy changes.
- Form a dedicated compliance team to obtain first-hand information from customs, shipping companies, and port authorities, provide real-time risk alerts for clients, and improve service response efficiency.
- Optimize supply chain layout and expand diversified shipping routes.
 
On March 26, 2026, the Brazilian government announced tariff exemptions for nearly a thousand imported goods, mainly reducing their import duties to zero. This measure applies to products that are either not produced domestically or whose output is insufficient to meet domestic market demand.
 
Affected product categories mainly include capital goods, IT/telecommunications products, industrial inputs, pharmaceuticals/medical supplies, agricultural inputs, and others.