REMINDER! Make Your Voice Heard on Section 301 Tariffs! The deadline to submit public comments on the proposed Section 301 forced labor tariffs is approaching fast. Comments are due July 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT, and we strongly encourage all beverage alcohol importers to file before that date. This is a critical opportunity to get on the record. Unlike some trade proceedings where comments are one input among many, the public comment record in Section 301 investigations directly informs USTR’s final determinations on which products are subject to additional duties, at what rate, and whether any exclusions apply. Every comment filed strengthens the case for excluding wine and spirits from the proposed action.

We have prepared a step-by-step submission guide along with model comment language tailored to the beverage alcohol industry, which are attached here, but please tell your specific story and direct impact on your business.  

USMCA Update: As anticipated, today the Trump administration announced it will not extend the USMCA under the agreement’s six-year review process, citing unresolved concerns with the current trade pact. While the decision does not terminate the agreement, it triggers the treaty’s annual review mechanism, allowing the United States, Canada, and Mexico to negotiate potential changes each year through 2036.

For now, USMCA remains fully in force, and qualifying goods continue to receive preferential tariff treatment. However, the move introduces greater uncertainty for North American trade as negotiations are expected to focus on rules of origin, automotive content requirements, labor enforcement, and broader trade and security issues. Businesses with cross-border supply chains should continue monitoring developments as discussions progress.

CAPE Phase 2 Claims Now Available: As we reported earlier this week, CBP opened the CAPE portal to Phase 2 claims on June 29. As we covered in earlier updates, Phase 2 covers entries flagged for reconciliation, which is uncommon for beverage alcohol importers. If you have reconciliation entries that were liquidated within 80 days of your CAPE declaration filing date, you can now submit claims for them. If you would like more details, feel free to contact us. We have also linked to the full CSMS message from CBP on this deployment.

Threat of 100% tariffs on DST: As we reported last week, President Trump has threatened to impose a 100% tariff on imports from any country that adopts or maintains a Digital Services Tax (DST) targeting U.S. technology companies. The warning, aimed primarily at several European nations, states that such tariffs would apply immediately and would supersede existing trade agreements. While the threat has heightened trade tensions, no new tariffs have been implemented at this time. Businesses should continue monitoring developments, as any escalation could impact transatlantic trade.

North Europe Port Disruptions: Port of Rotterdam is experiencing operational disruptions as extreme heat, system failures, and ongoing labor strikes have forced the closure of several container terminals, with some facilities remaining closed. These disruptions are significantly impacting container pickup and delivery operations. As a result, containers with scheduled cutoff times may not reach the terminals in time, and deliveries to customers may also be delayed or, in some cases, unable to proceed if containers cannot be retrieved. Customers with cargo moving through Rotterdam should anticipate delays and remain in close contact with their logistics providers for the latest shipment updates.

Additionally, the Antwerp Gateway (1700) terminal is currently experiencing severe yard congestion, which may result in a temporary suspension of container deliveries beginning June 29, 2026. The situation is being closely monitored by the terminal operator, with further updates expected as conditions evolve. In response to the congestion, truck appointment availability is extremely limited. Customers are encouraged to book appointments as early as possible and contact their service representative if delivery slots are unavailable so that alternative solutions can be explored. 

Heat Wave: High temperatures continue to hit Europe and the USA. Temperatures in various European regions have shattered records and the heat continues to spread from the Iberian peninsula over large parts of Western Central and Southern Europe and the Balkans. Temperature records have been broken in Germany, Hungary, Austria, France, Switzerland, Spain, and the Netherlands. The USA is preparing for extreme heat for the next week for the plains to the East Coast, with temperatures and fire danger building in the West. Talk to us about mitigating temperature damage and insuring your cargo!

LCL Services from France, Italy, and Spain/Portugal – SUMMER UPDATE! 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. For the summer months, all containers will be temperature controlled insuring your cargo is protected from summer heat. 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!