50 years of WSSA!
What started with a chance cab ride from LaGuardia Airport in 1976 has grown into a global network safeguarding beverage alcohol shipments for members around the world. Twelve founding companies believed in an idea, and five decades later, that idea has become an association members rely on every day. None of this happens without the people who built it. To our members, who have trusted us with their cargo and their business for 50 years. To our team, past and present, who have shown up for this association year after year. And to our board, whose leadership has guided WSSA through every chapter of this story — thank you. Here’s to the last 50 years, and to many more ahead.

Canada: Bans Now in Effect, Slow Return to Talks
The Canadian product bans took effect as scheduled at 12:01 AM on September 29. CBP’s implementing guidance (CSMS #70050970) confirmed the banned product categories are unchanged from what we reported and clarified one useful detail: products that entered a Foreign Trade Zone before the ban can still be withdrawn at the 50% duty rate rather than being blocked outright. On the diplomatic front, both PM Carney and USTR Greer gave separate interviews this week suggesting talks are continuing but in no hurry — Greer told G20 counterparts in Milwaukee, “At some point, will there be a deal? I mean, presumably, but… it’s not urgent for us.” No lawsuit has been filed yet over the Section 338 tariffs/bans, and the Senate is not expected to vote to overturn them anytime soon.

Mexico/USMCA: Talks Continue, But Slowly
The fourth round of US-Mexico USMCA negotiations was postponed due to President Trump’s visit with Chinese President Xi. A mid-week call between Trump and Mexican President Sheinbaum reportedly went only “so-so,” per Politico, which Sheinbaum seemed to confirm in her own press conference. Both sides are still at the table and reportedly want a deal closed before November 3, but progress is slow.

IEEPA: CAPE Phase 3 is scheduled to open on October 6, but only for importers who filed individual lawsuits with the CIT on or before July 30. Importers may still file individual lawsuits with the CIT on finally liquidated entries until February 2027, though guidance for claims in this category is still pending. A separate motion in Freestyle World v. CBP challenges the requirement to file a lawsuit to receive IEEPA refunds on finally liquidated entries. If the motion is granted, a lawsuit would no longer be required. We will continue to monitor the motion and provide updates as necessary.

Section 301 Litigation: On September 30, a three-judge panel of the Court of International Trade heard oral argument in In re Section 301 Forced Labor Cases, the consolidated challenge to the 10 and 12.5 percent tariffs on 60 economies. The judges pressed the government on which provision of Section 301 USTR relied on and whether the record supports findings for each economy, while also questioning plaintiffs on their claim that the forced labor rationale is a pretext. A ruling date has not been confirmed, and the duties remain in effect while the case is pending.

Section 301 Excess Capacity Investigation: Findings Still Pending
With the Trump-Xi visit concluded, DC speculation suggests initial findings on the excess capacity investigation (covering the EU and 15 other economies) could come any day — reportedly held back so as not to overshadow the Xi visit. Once findings are released, there will be a comment period before any tariffs are actually imposed. Nothing to act on yet, but worth watching closely over the next couple of weeks.

Good News: Panama Canal Easing Restrictions
After a rough stretch of cuts, the Panama Canal Authority announced it will increase Neopanamax lock transits starting October 15, bringing total daily capacity up to 33 slots thanks to near-average rainfall in the watershed recently. Not a full return to normal, but a real improvement after weeks of tightening.

Strait of Hormuz: Ceasefire Proposal Rejected, Still Unresolved
Iran proposed a seven-day ceasefire and phased reopening of the strait; Trump rejected it, reportedly telling aides he expects bombing to resume after the November midterms. Talks continue through mediators, but there’s no deal yet and the strait remains effectively closed to normal commercial traffic.

Rhine Water Levels: Still Critical
The Kaub gauge actually hit a negative reading (-1 cm) in late September before settling around 5 cm — still far below normal. Forecasters expect levels to remain below the low-water threshold through at least October 9, with only modest improvement expected. Continue planning for surcharges and delays on Rhine-dependent routes; there’s no quick fix in sight.

German Ports: Strike Ballot Results Due Any Day
The formal membership ballot on authorizing indefinite strikes closed yesterday (October 1); results were expected to be counted today. We’ll let you know the outcome as soon as it’s confirmed — if 75% of participating members voted yes, ver.di’s bargaining commission will decide on next steps.

Irish Whiskey: Still Not Formally Implemented
Nearly three weeks after Trump’s announcement, there’s still no formal Federal Register notice removing the Irish whiskey tariff. For reference, the parallel Scotch whisky tariff removal took about twelve weeks from announcement to implementation, so don’t expect this immediately.

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