News for UK importers
What's moving in importing.
Shipping and freight rates, factories in China, trade fairs, UK import rules and the pound against the dollar. Short, sourced, and written for businesses bringing in full containers from China.
Pound up 1.5% against the dollar
£1 bought $1.3511 on 16 Jul, up from $1.3307 on 2 Jul. Dollar invoices now cost less in pounds.
UK-India trade agreement enters into force
The UK-India free trade agreement entered into force on 15 July 2026. Goods that meet its rules of origin can now be imported at preferential duty rates.
FOB, EXW or CIF: choosing Incoterms for China imports
Incoterms set where costs and risk pass from your supplier to you. The term you choose also changes what you add to the price when working out customs value.
New tariff suspensions take effect from 5 August 2026
New import duty suspensions from the 2025 to 2026 application window came into force on 5 August 2026. They run until 31 December 2028.
Government confirms end of the £135 customs duty relief for low-value parcels
The government's consultation response confirms that full customs duty relief for consignments worth £135 or less will be removed. New arrangements are due by October 2028 at the latest.
Drewry container index hits highest level since September 2024
Drewry's World Container Index rose 2% to $4,639 per 40ft on 9 July, its highest since September 2024. Shanghai to Rotterdam rose 5% to $4,933, with carriers lining up further increases for 15 July.
Bill of lading or sea waybill: why the document type matters
A bill of lading is a document of title. A sea waybill is not. Knowing which one your supplier will issue helps you plan payment and the release of your container.
Gemini moves its AE15 Asia service back through the Suez Canal
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have switched AE15 from the Cape of Good Hope to the Suez Canal, the first structural return of a Gemini service. It serves the Mediterranean, not North Europe or the UK.
Pound up 1.1% against the dollar
£1 bought $1.3307 on 2 Jul, up from $1.3160 on 25 Jun. Dollar invoices now cost less in pounds.
New UK steel trade measure starts, with 50% duty above quota
The UK's steel trade measure replaced the old safeguard on 1 July 2026. Imports above the tariff-free quotas in 20 product categories now pay 50% duty, up from the 25% safeguard rate.
UK emissions trading scheme extends to shipping from 1 July
Ships of 5,000 GT and above now fall under the UK Emissions Trading Scheme for domestic voyages and for emissions while in UK ports. Maersk says it will not pass these costs on for now.
You're not on your own. We chase it for you.
Portside chases your factory, forwarder and the port, and shows every container move through eight clear stages. If you're planning your first container, we're happy to talk it through.