Ocean Freight

Additional direct calls to Gothenburg

Starting week 43, shipping line CMA CGM will launch a new service with direct calls to Gothenburg. This means there will now be three different weekly direct sailings to Gothenburg from several of Asia’s largest ports, including in China, South Korea, and Singapore. This strengthens access to efficient and reliable shipping solutions for both import and export flows. 

The fact that more shipping lines are now offering direct routes to Gothenburg is seen as positive for the market and contributes to greater flexibility in planning. We hope this will lead to shorter lead times, fewer transshipments, and a more stable transport chain between Asia and Sweden. Additionally, one of the vessels in the service is powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas), which results in significantly lower emissions compared to traditional fuels – an important step toward more sustainable transport. 

Ongoing disruptions on the continent and strike in Belgium

Several of Europe’s major transshipment ports, including Rotterdam and Antwerp, are still experiencing significant disruptions. Multiple strikes have taken place, further extending the already long queues as many vessels wait offshore to be unloaded. This means that cargo may miss the feeder connection to Sweden, causing delays later in the supply chain.

In Belgium, several strikes have also taken place at airports, which could affect air freight passing through Belgian hubs. New strikes have been announced for November and could cause additional disruptions to flows.

Ceasefire in Gaza

The situation in the Middle East has improved somewhat following the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, which creates conditions for resuming global maritime traffic through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Over the past two years, unrest and attacks in the area have forced shipping lines to avoid Suez and instead sail around the Cape of Good Hope, extending transit times between Asia and Europe by up to two weeks and increasing costs.

If the parties can maintain a stable ceasefire, there is hope that trade can gradually return to normal routes via the Suez Canal, resulting in shorter lead times and lower freight costs for Swedish importers and exporters. However, the situation remains unstable, and we are monitoring developments closely. It will take time before carriers fully resume this route.

Tariffs in the USA

Uncertain development in the trade war with China

President Trump has announced that the US plans to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese goods starting November 1, on top of existing tariffs. This move is a response to China’s announcement of export restrictions on rare earth metals that are important for the tech and automotive industries. The current tariff pause expires on November 10, increasing the risk of a renewed trade war. During the pause, tariffs on goods imported into the US from China remain at 30%, while tariffs on goods from the US to China remain at 10%.

Update on EU regulations

CSRD

The EU has now presented a new, simplified draft for sustainability reporting rules (ESRS) after a summer of intense discussions surrounding CSRD and the Omnibus package. The proposal contains 57% fewer data points and a clearer structure, making it easier for companies to navigate. However, uncertainties remain regarding which companies are covered and how the rules will be interpreted nationally. The “quick fix” rules are expected to ease the reporting process for the first companies required to report in 2025, but Swedish guidelines are still missing.

In parallel, the European Parliament has reached a compromise on the so-called Omnibus package, which significantly reduces the scope of both CSRD and CSDDD. Companies with fewer than 1,000 employees and global turnover under €450 million are exempt from CSRD, while CSDDD will apply only to the largest companies – those with more than 5,000 employees and €1.5 billion in turnover. The proposal is expected to be voted through in October, with a possible final agreement before the end of the year.

Changes to EU safeguard measures on steel

As of July 1, 2026, adjustments are proposed to the EU’s safeguard measures on steel imported into the Union. The aim is to protect the EU steel sector from the negative effects of global overcapacity. Currently, companies importing steel covered by the regulation must apply for a tariff quota; otherwise, they face a 25% duty. This threshold is now proposed to increase to 50% for imports exceeding the allocated quota. The limited amount of steel that can be imported duty-free will be reduced to 18.3 million tons per year, and an additional requirement to prove the origin of the steel will be introduced.

CBAM

On October 17, the EU decided to implement changes to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). As of January 1, 2026, importers bringing in 50 tons or more of CBAM goods per year will be subject to the payment requirement. The first reporting must be submitted no later than September 30, 2027, and the sale of CBAM certificates will begin in February 2027. From 2027, the approved CBAM declarant must hold certificates covering 50% of the emissions from the imported goods at the end of each quarter. The new rules also allow the use of standard carbon price values and simplified emissions calculations for EU precursors, steel, and aluminum. Please note that the cost of CBAM is expected to be significant already in 2026, not just a few percent as often assumed. More information about how CBAM works and how to apply to become an approved declarant is available the website of Naturvårdsverket: https://www.naturvardsverket.se/amnesomraden/utslappshandel/cbam/

We continue to closely monitor developments and will keep you updated on any changes that may affect your business. If you have any questions or concerns, you are welcome to reach out to us at TKL Logistics!

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Ocean Freight

Ongoing disruptions in ports affecting routes and punctuality

Updates on EU regulations

CSRD

The European Commission has decided on a targeted “quick fix” for companies already covered by the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) – the so-called “wave one” companies. The purpose is to provide a necessary pause in certain reporting requirements during the fiscal years 2025 and 2026. These temporary relaxations mean that companies during this period will not need to report full information within certain areas.

EUDR

From December 30, 2025, full compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation will be required. The aim is to prevent trade in goods that contribute to deforestation and forest degradation globally. The commodities covered by the regulation are cocoa, coffee, palm oil, natural rubber, soy, timber, and cattle.

The new rules mean that:

• Importers must submit a Due Diligence Statement (DDS) in the EUIS system before goods covered by the regulation can be imported.

• Exporters and re-importers that are large companies must also submit a DDS.

• Once a DDS has been submitted, you will receive a reference number, which you must provide to us before we can complete the customs declaration.

If the DDS is missing or contains incorrect information, products risk being stopped at customs or denied market access. If you have further questions about how the EUDR affects your business, you are welcome to contact us and we will assist you.

Information on Rail Freight from China

China has introduced a new law which, as of October 1, prohibits the purchase of export/import documents via third parties. For some suppliers, this has previously been arranged through our office in China, but now factories must purchase a license themselves, granting them the right to handle import/export and provide their own customs documents in order for rail transport to take place. This requirement already applies for air and ocean transport, but now also includes rail. Our offices in China are in dialogue about this with your suppliers who are booking rail shipments.

Golden Week in China

Golden Week is one of China’s largest national holidays and this year takes place from October 1–8. During this week, most factories, offices, and government authorities close, meaning production largely comes to a standstill. The shutdown typically results in limited capacity before Golden Week, as many aim to ship their cargo before the holiday. As an importer, you can also expect longer lead times for certain shipments around the shutdown, as well as some delays once production resumes.

Challenges in Road Freight from Germany and Italy

Due to extensive railway maintenance and capacity shortages in Italy and Germany, road freight from these countries may be affected by longer lead times. It is primarily the railways that are being upgraded in stages. This causes some intermodal transports to shift to road, which increases pressure on truck capacity. We recommend planning your bookings well in advance, if possible, to minimize the risk of disruptions.

We continue to closely monitor developments and will keep you updated on any changes that may affect your business. If you have any questions or concerns, you are welcome to reach out to us at TKL Logistics!

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Ocean Freight

This autumn, an overcapacity among carriers is expected, which means there should be more space available on vessels. However, during the spring, carriers have needed to be flexible and shift capacity between the Far East–USA trade lane and the Far East–Europe trade lane. Since no final decision has yet been made on the tariff issue, this capacity shift may continue during the autumn due to the uncertain global environment. If significant capacity is needed to the USA, capacity to Europe may decrease, depending on how the situation develops.

The situation in the Middle East remains unstable, and we still see no return to sailing through the Suez Canal by any carrier. The most recent attacks occurred this summer, and carriers therefore continue to route via Africa.

New direct service to Gothenburg from Asia: Starting week 35, the new carrier alliance Gemini, consisting of Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, will launch a weekly direct service from Asia to the Port of Gothenburg. MSC also offers weekly direct calls from Asia to Gothenburg, and we see it as very positive that several carriers now provide this service to Gothenburg.

Important information on exports of certain metals from China

China’s Ministry of Commerce has introduced export controls on certain medium and heavy metals within the group of rare earth elements. This means that goods suspected of containing such components – for example, magnets – are now subject to customs inspections where Chinese authorities conduct tests to determine the content. This process causes long waiting times at the border. For our customers at TKL Logistics, this affects consolidations involving such goods and may result in shipments being delayed or requiring re-planning.

We are closely monitoring developments and actively working to find solutions to minimize the impact on our customers’ deliveries. If you have questions regarding specific shipments or would like to discuss alternative transport routes, please do not hesitate to contact your account manager at TKL Logistics.

Tariffs in the USA

Extended tariff suspension: On August 12, the United States decided to extend the tariff suspension in trade with China by 90 days, moving the end date to November 10, 2025. During this suspension, tariffs on goods imported into the US from China remain at 30%, while tariffs on goods exported from the US to China remain at 10%. This provides short-term increased predictability in trade flows between the US and China, but uncertainty remains beyond November.

New tariff agreement between the USA and EU: On July 27, the US and EU reached a new tariff agreement for trade between the two markets. The main rule is a 15% tariff on most EU goods exported to the US (including cars/automotive parts, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors), while steel, aluminum, and copper continue to face a 50% tariff. However, some goods are fully exempt, such as aircraft and parts, certain chemicals, generic pharmaceuticals, semiconductor equipment, selected agricultural products, and critical raw materials. As part of the agreement, the EU will suspend its counter-tariffs for six months starting August 4, 2025.

Update on EU Regulations

CBAM: As previously mentioned, the EU is planning within its Omnibus package to reduce the scope of CBAM. This includes introducing a new de-minimis threshold of 50 tons per importer, exempting around 90% of companies. For affected companies, simplified authorization, easier emissions calculations, and clearer verification rules will be introduced. The purchase of CBAM certificates is also planned to be postponed from 2026 to February 2027, and the annual declaration deadline moved to the end of August. No final decision has been made yet, and we therefore remind you that it will still be mandatory to be an approved CBAM declarant in order to import CBAM goods as of January 1, 2026. Make sure to submit your application to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency in time, as they currently have up to 120 days of processing time. Many applications also require additional documentation. The chances of approval increase with a complete application, therefore we strongly recommend following the application guide available on the Agency’s website.

ICS2: ICS2, an EU system aimed at improving the security of goods entering the EU, will become fully mandatory for all modes of transport as of September 1, 2025. In practice, this means authorities will apply stricter scrutiny of goods descriptions. If a shipment contains incomplete or vague descriptions, it may be rejected or result in fines.

To avoid flagging or delays, please ensure your shipment documents include:

• A clear goods description in plain English: what it is, what it is made of, what it is used for.

• HS code (at least 6 digits) for each item line.

• Full shipper/consignee address and EORI number (where applicable).

• Information on weight and number of packages, plus any UN number.

For more details, you can find the EU Commission’s list of goods descriptions that will no longer be accepted here: https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/document/download/ea68a0c7-a2d3-4bc1-9bed-ebc149c920f0_en?filename=guidance_acceptable_goods_description_en.pdf

We continue to closely monitor developments and will keep you updated on any changes that may affect your business. If you have any questions or concerns,  you are always welcome to reach out to us at TKL Logistics.

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Strikes in Belgium and Germany:
During the month of March, there have been strikes in both Belgium and Germany. Even though the strikes have only lasted a day or so, they have had a significant impact on traffic, especially air freight, which is experiencing delays. It’s quite possible that further strikes will follow until agreements are reached, which could continue to affect your shipments going forward.

Sea Freight Situation:
Sea freight continues to be impacted by the tense global situation, and transit times remain longer than normal. The following developments are currently affecting the situation:

• Continued rerouting around the African coast: Due to the situation in Gaza, all shipping lines are still rerouting around the African coast, extending lead times by approximately 10–14 days. Given the current state of affairs, this is the new normal until conditions improve. TKL Logistics will keep you updated on the sea freight situation.

• Continued congestion and transshipments in continental ports: As previously reported, European continental ports remain congested, often requiring transshipment of goods. This can lead to unexpected late-stage delays if transshipment takes time. Since late January/early February, sea freight volumes have decreased, and hopefully this will help ports catch up over time. Both import and export shipments are affected, including vessels making direct calls to Gothenburg, as they also stop to unload cargo at these ports. Overall, this means longer transit times for sea shipments.

• Imbalance in container flows:
  There is currently a large price difference between the import and export of containers to and from Sweden. This disparity is due to an imbalance in container flows, particularly a shortage in Asia. Low-cost exports are being used as an incentive to bring more containers back. The new tariffs to and from USA might also affect the flows of containers, as containers now are starting to be kept in Chinese ports due to lower demand of Chinese products. This will lead to less containers available, which might increase the prices. It is also probably that many suppliers would like to ship their products during the 90 days tariff pause, which also might increase the rates during this period.  

New Tariffs to and from the USA:

Several types of penalty costs have been introduced by the Trump administration. Below is a summary of those affecting your freight costs:

• New tariffs: Since taking office in January, the Trump administration has already implemented several proposals affecting international trade. On April 2nd, a comprehensive tariff package was presented but is currently paused for 90 days for negotiations. In the meantime, a 10% tariff applies to all countries, including the EU. The tariff pause does not apply to China, which has been hit with a 145% tariff. In response, China has imposed a 125% tariff on American goods. The situation remains volatile and how it will evolve is uncertain, but it’s clear that this leads to continued market instability.

• Potential port fees for ships calling in the USA:
  A proposal has been introduced that would require both Chinese shipping lines and shipping lines with vessels built in China (even if not owned by China) to pay a fee per port call. If the proposal goes through, it will likely affect Atlantic service by reducing port calls and increasing costs.

Update on EU Regulations:

• Application to become an approved CBAM declarant now open:
  From March 31st, you can apply to become an approved CBAM declarant, which is required in order to import CBAM goods starting January 1, 2026. Applications are made via the Swedish Customs website. A guide on how to apply is available here:
  https://www.naturvardsverket.se/495a48/contentassets/3e539707ca044b64b780da3616648d05/lathund-ansokan-om-att-bli-godkand-cbam-deklarant-20250331.pdf

• CBAM scope reduction proposed in Omnibus package:
  In the Omnibus proposal, which is pending decision, the scope of CBAM would be reduced so that it only applies to companies importing more than 50 tons of CBAM goods per year. No formal decision has been made yet, so affected companies should continue to operate under the assumption that they are still included. We will keep you updated on how this develops.

• Omnibus package awaiting decision:
  To reduce administrative burdens and promote growth, the EU Commission has presented a new proposal (Omnibus) that significantly reduces reporting requirements for CSRD and CBAM. This aims to ease the burden on small businesses previously included in the reporting requirements. On April 3, the EU Parliament voted in favor of the “stop the clock” provision, which delays reporting for wave 2 and 3 companies by 2 years from the current timeline. The next step is adjustments to Swedish legislation. There are indications that the full Omnibus package will be voted on in October.

We are closely monitoring developments and will keep you informed of changes that may affect your business. If you have any questions or concerns, as always, you’re warmly welcome to reach out to us.

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Sellers and buyers agree on delivery terms when they enter into a contract, so it is mainly something that concerns sellers and buyers. The delivery term must be included on the commercial invoice that accompanies the shipment during transport, as it is also important for customs clearance and the calculation of customs duties and VAT.

Clauses Regardless of Transport Mode

EXW – Ex Works

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EX WORKS (EXW) means that the seller delivers the goods to the buyer when it places the goods at the disposal of the buyer at a named place (like a factory or warehouse), and that named place may or may not be the seller’s premises. For delivery to occur, the seller does not need to load the goods on any collecting vehicle, nor does it need to clear the goods for export, where such clearance is applicable.

FCA – Free Carrier

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FREE CARRIER (FCA) means that the seller delivers the goods to the buyer in one or other of two ways:

• First, when the named place is the seller’s premises, the goods are delivered when they are loaded on the means of transport arranged by the buyer.
• Second, when the named place is another place, the goods are delivered when, having been loaded on the seller’s means of transport, they reach the named other place and are ready for unloading from that seller’s means of transport and at the disposal of the carrier or of another person nominated by the buyer.

Whichever of the two is chosen as the place of delivery, that place identifies where risk transfers to the buyer and the time from which costs are for the buyer’s account.

CPT – Carriage Paid To

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CARRIAGE PAID TO (CPT) means that the seller delivers the goods – and transfers the risk – to the buyer by handing them over to the carrier contracted by the seller or by procuring the goods so delivered. The seller may do so by giving the carrier physical possession of the goods in the manner and at the place appropriate to the means of transport used. Once the goods have been delivered to the buyer in this way, the seller does not guarantee that the goods will reach the place of destination in sound condition, in the stated quantity or indeed at all.  This is because risk transfers from seller to buyer when the goods are delivered to the buyer by handing them over to the carrier; the seller must nonetheless contract for the carriage of the goods from delivery to the agreed destination.

CIP – Carriage and Insurance Paid To

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CARRIAGE AND INSURANCE PAID TO (CIP) means that the seller delivers the goods – and transfers the risk – to the buyer by handing them over to the carrier contracted by the seller or by procuring the goods so delivered.  The seller may do so by giving the carrier physical possession of the goods in the manner and at the place appropriate to the means of transport used. Once the goods have been delivered to the buyer in this way, the seller does not guarantee that the goods will reach the place of destination in sound condition, in the stated quantity or indeed at all.  This is because risk transfers from seller to buyer when the goods are delivered to the buyer by handing them over to the carrier; the seller must nonetheless contract for the carriage of the goods from delivery to the agreed destination.

DAP – Delivered At Place

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DELIVERED AT PLACE (DAP) means that the seller delivers the goods – and transfers risk – to the buyer when the goods are placed at the disposal of the buyer on the arriving means of transport ready for unloading at the named place of destination or at the agreed point within that place, if any such point is agreed. The seller bears all risks involved in bringing the goods to the named place of destination or to the agreed point within that place. In this Incoterms rule, therefore, delivery and arrival at destination are the same.

DPU – Delivered at Place Unloaded

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DELIVERED AT PLACE UNLOADED (DPU) means that the seller delivers the goods – and transfers risk – to the buyer when the goods, once unloaded from the arriving means of transport, are placed at the disposal of the buyer at a named place of destination or at the agreed point within that place, if any such point is agreed.  The seller bears all risks involved in bringing the goods to and unloading them at the named place of destination. In this Incoterms rule, therefore, the delivery and arrival at destination are the same.  DPU is the only Incoterms rule that requires the seller to unload goods at destination. The seller should therefore ensure that it is in a position to organise unloading at the named place.  Should the parties intend the seller not to bear the risk and cost of unloading, the DPU rule should be avoided and DAP should be used instead.

DDP – Delivered Duty Paid

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DELIVERED DUTY PAID (DDP) means that the seller delivers the goods to the buyer when the goods are placed at the disposal of the buyer, cleared for import, on the arriving means of transport, ready for unloading, at the named place of destination or at the agreed point within that place, if any such point is agreed. The seller bears all risks involved in bringing the goods to the named place of destination or to the agreed point within that place. In this Incoterms rule, therefore, delivery and arrival at destination are the same.

Clauses for Sea Transport

FAS – Free Alongside Ship

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FREE ALONGSIDE SHIP (FAS) means that the seller delivers the goods to the buyer when the goods are placed alongside the ship (e.g. on a quay or a barge) nominated by the buyer at the named port of shipment or when the seller procures goods already so delivered. The risk of loss of or damage to the goods transfers when the goods are alongside the ship, and the buyer bears all costs from that moment onward.

FOB – Free On Board

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FREE ON BOARD (FOB) means that the seller delivers the goods to the buyer on board the vessel nominated by the buyer at the named port of shipment or procures the goods already so delivered. The risk of loss of or damage to the goods transfers when the goods are on board the vessel, and the buyer bears all costs from that moment onwards.

CFR – Cost and Freight

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COST AND FREIGHT (CFR) means that the seller delivers the goods to the buyer on board the vessel or procures the goods already so delivered. The risk of loss of or damage to the goods transfers when the goods are on board the vessel, such that the seller is taken to have performed its obligation to deliver the goods whether or not the goods actually arrive at their destination in sound condition, in the stated quantity or, indeed, at all.  In CFR, the seller owes no obligation to the buyer to purchase insurance cover: the buyer would be well-advised therefore to purchase some cover for itself.

CIF – Cost, Insurance and Freight

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COST INSURANCE AND FREIGHT (CIF) means that the seller delivers the goods to the buyer on board the vessel or procures the goods already so delivered. The risk of loss of or damage to the goods transfers when the goods are on board the vessel, such that the seller is taken to have performed its obligation to deliver the goods whether or not the goods actually arrive at their destination in sound condition, in the stated quantity or, indeed, at all.

Would you like to know more? Please feel free to contact us!

Incoterms 2020 & (2010), https://www.if.se/foretag/forsakringar/transportforsakring/incoterms-2020

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