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Transatlantic update
North Europe capacity to North America is returning to normal this month, but spot space will stay limited, so book at least three weeks ahead. TA2 will likely fill as volumes rise, which limits space to Saint John, and Miami may sell out in some weeks. Canada East Coast capacity will stay tight through October as low water levels reduce how much cargo vessels can carry, so book three weeks out and check with your Maersk representative before adding new volume.
From the Mediterranean, space is tight across all services and draft restrictions continue at Livorno and Salerno. Mediterranean to Houston bookings are now open with a three-week lead time, and other Mediterranean routes need two weeks. If you ship from the Eastern Mediterranean or Central and Southeastern Europe, confirm equipment with your local Maersk team before you commit to a sailing.
Space to the U.S. and Canada West Coast is limited from both Europe and the Mediterranean, and we're routing this cargo through our Asia-Pacific and Latin America services. For Vancouver, rail from Montreal to Pitt Meadows is the main alternative, subject to space.The Mediterranean Peak Season Surcharge of USD 250 per dry or reefer container, USD 220 for Syria, starts November 1, 2026.
Transpacific update
Demand from Asia to North America remains elevated, and vessel delays are affecting schedules across the industry. Typhoons have added to those delays this season. Expect capacity to stay tight through October. The Gemini Cooperation, Maersk's network partnership with Hapag-Lloyd, blanked two sailings on TP8 and TP12 around Golden Week, which may affect cargo arriving in North America in mid to late October. Check our customer advisory for more details. Book as early as you can and build a few extra days into your plans for cargo leaving Asia. For East Coast shipments, draft restrictions at the Panama Canal add another variable, so allow extra time there too. Gemini schedule reliability reached 95.7% into the North America West Coast and 93.5% into the East Coast in Sea-Intelligence's latest Global Liner Performance report, against industry averages of 69.7% and 71.5%.
Africa update
We are experiencing high demand on Africa to North America trades.. From West Africa, cut flower and cocoa shipments are filling vessels, so book early to secure space. South Africa volumes are shifting from citrus to resin, foodstuffs, fruit and nuts as the season changes, and East Africa apparel and coffee volumes remain steady. We've added larger vessels on the MECL service to help meet demand. If you have Q4 cargo from any African origin, talk to your Maersk representative now about space and timing.
Intra-Americas update
Starting October 21, our Gulf Ocean Express service adds a weekly call at Freeport, Texas, alongside Houston and New Orleans. The service sails southbound to Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, Puerto Cortés, Honduras, and Manzanillo, Panama. If your cargo originates near Freeport, this gives you a closer port option that may cut your trucking distance to the terminal. For cargo headed to El Salvador or Nicaragua, you can connect through these ports with Maersk inland transport. Talk to your Maersk representative about schedules and whether the Freeport call fits your Q4 shipments.
To receive the latest updates on your cargo, sign up for ETA notifications or check schedules on Maersk.com. For weekly operational updates in our "Weekly Reader," subscribe to our advisories at Maersk.com/newsletter.
U.S. Customs Update
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) now voids the importer of record (IOR) number of any importer or broker that fails to provide complete and accurate identity information, a policy in effect since September 18, 2026. A voided number can't be used to enter goods, so check that your Form 5106 lists your actual business address, email, and phone. CBP sends any voidance notice to the email address it has on file, so an outdated address could hold up your shipments. To protect your accounts from misuse, review who has access to your ACE portal and any shared accounts.
If you're seeking refunds of tariffs paid under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), mark October 6. That's when CBP opens the next phase of its refund system, covering older entries it has already finalized, according to a CBP filing with the Court of International Trade on September 15. This phase is open only to importers with their own pending case at the court seeking these refunds. If you gave CBP your importer number by July 30, you can file starting October 6. If you submitted it later, CBP will send you separate instructions. Refunds aren't automatic. You'll need to file a refund request that CBP accepts and have your bank details on file in CBP's online portal to get paid.
CBP is also gathering input on how importers document their supply chains. On September 2, it issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking with 64 questions on possible new import disclosure requirements, including whether you should submit the export documents your suppliers file with foreign customs. Comments are due December 1, 2026, and no new requirements apply yet. Now is a good time to confirm you know where your goods and their components come from, beyond your direct suppliers, and to comment if the proposals would affect your business.
If you import from Canada, review your product classifications. Since August 22, the U.S. has applied an additional 50% tariff under Section 338 to specified Canadian-origin goods, including goods that qualify under USMCA. The product lists reach beyond dairy, alcoholic beverages, and motor vehicles, covering items such as wood products, furniture, and paper. On September 15, the U.S. added and removed products from the lists, and goods on the alcohol and motor vehicle lists now pay the Section 338 tariff in addition to any Section 232 tariffs. From September 29, certain Canadian alcoholic beverages, dairy products, molasses, and motorcycles can no longer be imported. If your last tariff screening was done before September 15, rerun it against CBP's updated list.
Mexico Customs Update
Starting October 1, 2026, all importers into Mexico must file the customs valuation declaration electronically, known as the MVE, as the transition period ended on September 30. Make sure your commercial invoices, contracts and payment records support the value you declare, since this filing gives Mexican customs clearer visibility into valuation. On September 22, Mexico also published the Second Amendment to its 2026 Foreign Trade General Rules, which changes requirements for electronic client files, certifications and Annex 22, and sets procedures that can lead to suspension when tariff classification codes, known as NICO numbers, are declared incorrectly. Check that your classifications are accurate and current.
Mexican customs brokers now face stricter rules on client files and tax-risk checks, so expect your broker to ask for more documentation and to update it more often. Mexico is also enforcing its official product standards, known as NOMs, more strictly, and noncompliant goods can face penalties or be held at the border. Confirm your products meet the NOMs that apply to them before they ship.
Maersk Customs Services has launched the Trade and Tariff Studio to support compliance on customs basics. Contact your Maersk Customs Services team with questions about your entries.
