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Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd Route AE19 and AE15 via the Suez Canal Again
On 9 September 2026, Maersk said that the AE19 and AE15 services would run via the Suez Canal instead of around the Cape of Good Hope. The announcement describes a targeted adjustment, not a general return of the east-west network.
Brazil Imposes Provisional Anti-Dumping Duties on Glass-Fibre Rovings from China
Brazil has imposed provisional anti-dumping duties on certain glass-fibre rovings originating in China and Egypt from 4 September 2026. The provisional rates for Chinese producers range from US$211.78 to US$456.44 per tonne.
China Requires Up to 99.2% Security on Japanese Dichlorosilane
China will require provisional anti-dumping security on certain dichlorosilane imports originating in Japan from September 8, 2026. The rates range from 80.8% to 99.2%, and customs requires a specific commodity code.
EU Screens 1,700 Online Listings: 560 Orders over Missing Product-Safety Information
The European Commission and national authorities reviewed almost 1,700 listings on 35 online marketplaces between May and July 2026. Only 58% contained manufacturer information, an EU responsible person and product-identification data at the same time.
China’s Imports Have Outpaced Exports for Six Months: What the August Data Means for Sourcing
China’s customs authorities reported import growth of 21.7% and export growth of 18.6% for August 2026. The figures indicate strong trade momentum, but they do not prove lower purchase prices or shorter lead times at individual factories.
EU Opens Interim Review of Anti-Dumping Measures on Chinese Silicon
On 1 September 2026, the European Commission published an initiation notice for an interim review of anti-dumping measures on certain silicon originating in China. The initiation does not automatically change the applicable duty, but it increases the risk of later changes to duties and import calculations.
Import knowledge by topic
Topic overview →
01Finding and verifying suppliers
How to tell manufacturers from middlemen, check Chinese business registers, read Alibaba profiles, spot warning signs, prepare factory visits, evaluate samples, and verify certificates.
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02Importing from China safely
Payment methods and deposits, a realistic look at Trade Assurance, Incoterms for beginners, common scams, communicating with Chinese suppliers, contracts and specifications.
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03Products, packaging, quality
Pre-shipment quality control, understanding AQL and sampling, defining packaging and labeling, barcode and Amazon prep, product safety and CE marking, writing accurate material specifications.
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04Logistics, customs, and costs
Sea freight vs. air freight, calculating freight costs, customs and import VAT, what an import really costs, realistic lead time planning, Incoterms in practice.
Open desk →Tools
All tools →Import Cost Calculator
Calculate the real landed cost of your import — from product cost and freight through customs and VAT to miscellaneous expenses.
#Interactive toolSampling Calculator
Determine how many pieces from your shipment need to be inspected according to ISO 2859-1 — for various AQL levels.
Vinko Kolar · on the ground in Guangzhou
Certified e-commerce merchant (IHK), reporting firsthand on Chinese suppliers, manufacturing and import rules.