Newsletter [April 12 - April 18]
Good Morning
A note from our CEO, Richard Roman Jr
This week marks a shift from uncertainty to execution.
CBP has confirmed the IEEPA refund process will launch April 20 through the CAPE system in ACE, giving importers a clear path to recover duties. At the same time, we are seeing early operational signals — particularly around equipment availability and booking behavior — that suggest conditions may begin tightening.
The focus over the next few weeks will be on timely execution — both in securing refunds and planning shipments proactively.
The Roundup
What moved the world this week
Customs & Trade Policy Update
EEPA Refunds Launch April 20 (ACE CAPE)
CBP has confirmed that Phase 1 of the CAPE refund portal will go live on April 20, 2026 within the ACE Secure Data Portal.
This will allow importers and authorized brokers to submit consolidated refund claims for IEEPA duties, including interest.
How It Works
Refunds submitted via CAPE Declaration in ACE
CBP will remove IEEPA HTS, recalculate duties, and reliquidate entries
Refunds issued per importer, not per entry
Expected timeline: 60–90 days
Phase 1 Scope
Certain unliquidated entries
Entries liquidated within ~80 days
Entries under extension, suspension, or review
Warehouse entries and withdrawals
Entries involving drawback, AD/CVD, PSC, protests, or fully liquidated entries will be addressed in later phases.
Requirements
To receive refunds:
Active ACE Portal account
ACH refund setup with U.S. bank account
Updated Form 5106 information
Refunds are electronic only — paper checks are no longer issued.
Supply Chain & Logistics News
Early Equipment Pressure Emerging
Post–Chinese New Year conditions have stabilized, but early signs of tightening are developing.
We are seeing:
Increasing pressure on 20GP container availability
Longer lead times to secure equipment
Carriers maintaining disciplined capacity
This is not yet a full shortage, but an early-stage imbalance, which is typically how tighter conditions begin.
Operational Trends
Carriers continue adjusting network behavior:
Additional port calls for consolidation
Slow steaming to manage fuel costs
Shift toward earlier booking patterns
These changes are contributing to longer and less predictable transit times.
The Forecast
Trends, goals, and what’s on the radar at JR Global
We are entering a period defined by two parallel dynamics:
1. Refund Execution (Customs)
CAPE launch will drive refund activity starting April 20
System performance and processing timelines will be key
2. Early Market Tightening (Logistics)
Equipment availability (especially 20GP)
Longer booking lead times
Increased risk of rollovers
While conditions remain stable today, these signals suggest gradual tightening heading into late Q2.
The Shortcut
Smart tips for smart shippers
IEEPA refund process launches April 20 via ACE CAPE
Refunds processed per importer, not per entry
Expected timeline: 60–90 days
Phase 1 focuses on unliquidated and recent entries
PSC cannot be used for refunds
ACE + ACH setup required
Early signs of 20GP equipment pressure
Booking earlier is becoming increasingly important
The Playlist
What the JR team is listening to this week in the office
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