Supply Chain Updates—December 30, 2025 Newsletter

December 30, 2025

Supply Chain Updates—News Image December 29

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy unveiled the first-ever National Advanced Air Mobility Strategy, aimed at accelerating next-generation aviation technologies.

While focused on future aircraft, these developments could influence air cargo capacity and routing, which may affect supply chain planning for high-value or time-sensitive shipments.

The final Week of 2025 highlights key global economic data, including PMIs, US non-farm payrolls, and eurozone inflation, with tariff-related price pressures continuing to impact US new orders and supply chain costs.

We support importers by monitoring these developments, helping manage tariff exposure, and providing strategic guidance.

Despite ongoing tariff uncertainty, air cargo has proven to be a critical tool for businesses, helping move goods quickly, meet tariff deadlines, and adjust supply routes as conditions change.

Looking ahead to 2026, air freight is expected to remain a strong, offering importers the speed needed to manage policy shifts and high-value shipments.

Total container volumes at the Port of Los Angeles dropped 11.5% year-over-year, signaling slower import and export activity that could impact supply chains.

We help importers navigate these shifts with tariff guidance, shipment planning, and entry support to minimize delays.

Imperative Logistics has been named one of Global Trade’s Top 50 3PLs for 2025 in the Border Breakers category, recognizing our strength in navigating complex trade compliance and multi-country freight challenges.

This honor reflects our commitment to reliable solutions that help customers stay resilient in an evolving trade environment.

Tariff Updates & Trade Compliance Updates

CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) is moving fully electronic: After nearly 28 years of issuing paper checks, CBP will transition all refunds to electronic payments beginning February 6, 2026, with only limited exceptions.
Act Now to Avoid Delays: With a short window to prepare, importers should act now to prevent disruptions to duty drawback claims, Post Summary Corrections (PSC), and other post-entry refunds. Importers already enrolled in the electronic refund program should review their setup to ensure payments are received without interruption.
Supreme Court Update – Value of Services (VOS) Selections: While no decision has been issued, importers may want to prepare for potential changes. If favorable, IEEPA tariffs could no longer apply, though refunds would require documentation and follow-up. Keeping detailed records and ensuring electronic refund information is current can help you stay ready.

Helpful U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Resources to Get Started:

CBP Trade Portal Account: Use this portal to manage your trade account, update company information, and oversee electronic transactions with CBP. This is the primary platform for maintaining refund eligibility.
Modernized Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Importer Account Application: This application allows importers to establish or update their trade account, a required step for enrolling in electronic refund payments.
Automated Clearing House (ACH) Refund Enrollment Guidance: U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s official guidance explains how to enroll in ACH for electronic refunds, including key requirements, timelines, and system updates importers should be aware of.

How Imperative Logistics Can Support You:

Electronic Refund Readiness: We provide guidance to help ensure your trade portal access and ACH electronic payment setup are ready for CBP’s new electronic refund process. The trade portal is U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s online system for managing import and export activity, while ACH is the banking network used to receive refunds electronically.
Refund & Post-Entry Guidance: Our team can help clarify how to track refunds and manage post-entry processes under CBP’s updated electronic-only refund requirements.
Third-Party Authorization Support: For importers who work with brokers or other third parties, we provide guidance on properly designating authorized parties under CBP rules.
Keeping You Informed: We monitor CBP notices, Federal Register updates, and regulatory trends, turning complex information into clear, actionable guidance so your business can stay compliant and prepared.

Have questions about how these tariff changes affect your shipments? Our team of experts is ready to provide guidance, please Contact Us anytime. For further details, please consult the latest Tariff Update and Reciprocal Tariff List for comprehensive information.

View the latest Tariff Information: