The Port of Long Beach is the second-busiest container port in the United States, driving the economy of Southern California and primarily engaging in trade with countries like Japan and China.
This article provides a detailed analysis of the main transaction methods and pricing terms in international trade, including FOB, C&F, and CIF. It explains the meaning of each term and the regulations for filling out export customs declarations. Additionally, it discusses how to accurately fill in freight and insurance costs based on varying transaction prices, ensuring a smooth and compliant trade process.
The Port of Long Beach, located in California, is the second busiest container port in the United States and a major hub for international trade. Spanning 3,200 acres and operating 24 hours a day, it features advanced loading and unloading facilities that efficiently handle a variety of cargo. With the highest average monthly throughput in the country, the port's strategic location and strong cargo processing capabilities support vibrant trade with international markets.
Wilmington Port is an important logistics hub on the East Coast of the United States, handling 3 million tons of cargo and 133,700 TEUs, with the advantage of deep-water access.
Shandong Province is promoting the Belt and Road Initiative by launching multiple international freight trains using a "bus-style" model. These trains effectively shorten transportation time, reduce costs, and enhance logistics efficiency, meeting international market demands. Recently opened freight services will be more flexible, forming an international freight network centered around Jixi and Jiaozhou, showcasing Shandong's significant role in international logistics.
In December, the shipping industry saw significant increases in shipment volume and freight rates due to the arrival of the year-end peak season. Factors such as suppliers working overtime, the depreciation of the yuan boosting profits, and falling oil prices stimulated the market. However, participants remain cautious about the industry's outlook for next year, as shipping companies continue to incur losses and structural issues persist, necessitating further observation of the overall situation.
The logistics industry plays a vital role in the national economy. Despite the economic environment affecting social logistics demand, its contribution continues to strengthen. Recent forecasts suggest that the added value of the logistics industry will exceed 9% of GDP. In recent years, investment in logistics infrastructure has risen, expected to surpass 70 billion yuan for the year, showcasing a positive development trend and reflecting the importance of the logistics industry in promoting economic growth.
China's first smart demo ship, i-DOLPHIN, has been launched, marking the arrival of the smart ship era and enhancing shipping efficiency and environmental standards.
As competition intensifies in the global shipping market, South Korean shipping companies urgently need to acquire ultra-large container ships to reduce costs and enhance their market competitiveness. However, liquidity issues and financing difficulties complicate this goal. Additionally, overcapacity in the industry and falling freight rates pose challenges to profitability. Regulatory authorities oppose the merger of two companies, citing potential negative impacts on the overall economy. In the future, businesses must find a breakthrough between new ship investments and market adaptation, with hopes for a recovery.
In recent years, state-owned shipping enterprises have faced multiple challenges such as delisting and restructuring, making their transformation a focal point of industry concern. During the planned economy era, these enterprises served national transportation tasks, but in the face of intense market competition, their systems and strategies require urgent reform. By clarifying their mission and reducing operational costs, state-owned shipping enterprises can redefine their positioning and focus on the transportation of strategic materials needed by the country, thus finding a new path for survival amid fierce international shipping competition.
