US Government potential shut down draws near
Stockwell International have received information regarding the potential shut down of the US Government. This information has come straight from the NCBFAA (National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America).
Given the now high likelihood of a US Government shutdown this Sunday night (US ET), NCBFAA has issued a joint industry statement, which advocates for all US government agencies involved in international trade to remain open.
At this stage, it appears that an essential services policy may see a number of main border clearance processes in the US remain open, however the full scope of that situation applying across all relevant government agencies involved in international trade remains unclear, with high risks of stoppages and ongoing delays, being likely.
Unless a surprise solution is agreed upon and rushed through today (Friday) US ET, then the NCBFAA is of the view that this impasse could possibly take several weeks for a resolution to be achieved.
This raises high prospects of significant disruption and delays being experienced in the servicing of cargo at major ports, airports and related precinct areas throughout the US from Sunday night.
Clients would be well advised that shipments in progress to and from the US at this time, of prospective delays and potential knock-on effects in areas such as demurrage.
The last time this occurred, the USITC HTS website went down, the NCBFAA have downloaded a current version at this time of this and firewalled it, which can be accessed through this link https://hts.usitc.gov/ .
More detailed information on the current situation is available on a industry podcast that was recorded yesterday in the US, that included commentary from Megan Montgomery, Executive Vice President of NCBFAA. https://gtc.trade/simply-trade-podcast/
This warning for members is based on what is known at this stage, on a worst case scenario heading into this coming weekend.
Stockwell International would like clients to be aware that any additional charges caused by this potential shut down will not be the responsibility of Stockwell International. We will continue to keep you updated with any changes that may occur.
