IEEPA Refunds Being Processed & Payments Issued: Thousands of importers have successfully submitted claims for IEEPA tariff refunds.   Many importers are already receiving refunds and report indicate that there is over $35 billion in the refund pipeline, tied to over 8.3 million entries. If you have not submitted a claim OR set up an ACH Electronic Refund account in the ACE system and need assistance, please reach out to WSSA and we can assist in guiding you. Currently, only entries eligible for Phase 1 processing are being accepted and paid. If you receive and error or ineligible message, it is most likely due to the fact that the entry is in the “final” liquidation phase or past the final phase. There is still no guidance or date on Phase 2 entries. Interest is being paid on all refunds and this amount is documented separately on the entry reports.

Update on Legislation Addressing Rise of Strategic Cargo Theft: This week the US House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Combating Organized Retail Crime (CORCA) Act, legislation intended to strengthen federal efforts to address organized retail theft and cargo crime. Introduced by Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) and a bipartisan group of lawmakers, the bill would enhance investigative and prosecutorial tools available to law enforcement agencies targeting theft networks that affect retailers and supply chains nationwide.

The legislation includes provisions to expand criminal enforcement authorities related to organized theft, money laundering, and asset forfeiture. It would also establish a coordinated federal center within the Department of Homeland Security to improve collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies addressing organized retail and supply chain crime.

Supporters of the bill cited increasing financial losses tied to retail theft and cargo theft, arguing that organized criminal activity has contributed to supply chain disruptions, higher operating costs for businesses, and increased prices for consumers. At WSSA, we have seen an uptick in strategic cargo theft incidences reported, and it is our goal to provide as much education and awareness to our member base on this issue as possible. This is a positive step in the right direction, though time will tell whether or not the law has a sustainable impact on the issue at hand. To read the full bill, click here.

Tariff Landscape Update: On Thursday, May 7, the Court of International Trade (CIT) issued a ruling finding that the current Section 122 tariffs imposed following the invalidation of the IEEPA tariffs are also unlawful. Although the decision currently applies only to the companies directly involved in the case, it may signal the possibility of broader tariff rollbacks and refunds if the litigation proceeds similarly to the earlier IEEPA cases. The Administration is expected to appeal the ruling to the Federal Court of Appeals, with the potential for the matter to ultimately reach the Supreme Court.

Separately, recent changes to Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs have revised product coverage and valuation methods. Certain derivative products were removed from tariff coverage, while some products saw reduced duties and others increased based on full sales value calculations. Beer imported in aluminum cans is no longer subject to Section 232 aluminum tariffs, though it remains subject to the 10% Section 122 tariff.

In addition, the U.S. Wine Trade Alliance and many  other parties testified on the negative impacts tariffs are having on the domestic wine industry and broader hospitality sector. The Trump Administration is currently expected to implement Section 301 tariffs at levels comparable to the prior IEEPA tariffs once the Section 122 tariffs expire on July 24. Further updates are expected as these developments continue.

Transatlantic Blank Sailings: As a reminder, the Ocean/Premier Alliance has announced multiple blank (cancelled) sailings in the next 6 weeks from both Mediterranean and North Europe strings. This alliance include CMA, OOCL, COSCO, Evergreen, and ONE shipping lines. Please be prepared for some delays when utilizing these carriers.  

Join WSSA at the AgTC Annual Meeting! Kick off AgTC 2026 May 18^th-21^st with the WSSA team for our annual WSSA-AGTC run/walk. Participants can enjoy a fast and furious run, an easy jog, or a slow and leisurely walk to catch the early morning view. All are welcome – fast or leisurely, we’ll all finish in 30 minutes. There is still time to register for this year’s annual meeting and join us for the morning run. Click here to book your spot!

LCL Services from France, Italy, and Spain/Portugal: Bi-monthly departures continue from each of these countries for your small shipments, offering a per case rate from point of pick up to the Alba Wine and Spirits warehouse in Edison New Jersey. Shipments from other European countries can be added into the mix, with pick-ups offered in most European countries. Please let us know if you need any further information!