Good Morning

A note from our CEO, Richard Roman Jr

This week we are closely watching two developments impacting global trade.

First, U.S. Customs is moving toward an automated refund process for tariffs collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). While court approval is still pending, the structure being proposed will require importers to receive refunds electronically through the ACE system.

Second, rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are beginning to affect global shipping networks again. Carriers are adjusting routes and implementing surcharges as vessels avoid certain risk zones.

Together, these developments reinforce how quickly the trade environment can shift — both from a regulatory and operational perspective. Our team continues to monitor these changes closely and work with clients to ensure they remain prepared.

The Roundup

What moved the world this week

Customs & Trade Policy Update

CBP Evaluating Automated IEEPA Tariff Refund System

On March 6, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) informed the Court of International Trade that it is reviewing an automated process to issue refunds for tariffs collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

If approved by the court, the system could be operational within approximately 45 days.

Under the proposed structure:

Importers would submit a declaration through the ACE Portal identifying entries where IEEPA tariffs were paid
ACE would automatically validate those entries
Refunds would be issued electronically through ACH bank transfer
Refund payments would be issued per importer account rather than per individual entry

It is important to note that court approval is still pending, and the final process could change depending on the outcome of ongoing litigation.

Electronic Refund Requirement

As of February 6, 2026, CBP has transitioned to electronic-only refund processing and no longer issues paper checks.

To receive refunds, importers must have:

1. An ACE Portal account

2. ACH Refund Authorization with U.S. bank account information

Importers without this setup will not be able to receive refunds electronically.

ACE Portal access also allows importers to review entry filings, financial activity, and CBP communications directly.

Within the ACE Portal, the ACH Refund Authorization tab is used to add or update banking information for electronic refund payments.

JR Global Advisory

We are assisting clients with:

ACE Portal account setup
ACH refund authorization
Entry data review for potential refunds

If your company has not yet configured its ACE account or ACH refund settings, JR Global can help facilitate the process to ensure you are ready once refunds begin.

Supply Chain & Logistics News

Middle East Tensions Disrupt Key Global Shipping Routes

Rising tensions in the Middle East are beginning to impact global logistics networks.

Shipping companies are increasingly avoiding high-risk areas, particularly near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor responsible for roughly 20% of global oil shipments.

As vessels avoid the region, many routes are being diverted around the Cape of Good Hope in Southern Africa, which adds 10–14 days to transit times on major east–west trade lanes.

Several major carriers have also taken precautionary steps:

MSC has suspended bookings to certain Gulf destinations
Maersk has halted some transits through the Strait of Hormuz and is rerouting vessels
CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd have adjusted schedules and diverted vessels

Surcharges Emerging

In response to the elevated risk environment, some carriers have introduced temporary surcharges including:

Emergency conflict surcharges
War risk surcharges
Operational contingency surcharges

These charges can add $1,500–$4,000 per container depending on equipment and route, increasing transportation costs and introducing additional volatility into global supply chains.

Air cargo routes are also experiencing disruptions due to airspace restrictions and flight rerouting across the region.

The Forecast

Trends, goals, and what’s on the radar at JR Global

From our perspective at JR Global, this week highlights two key trends shaping the trade environment.

First, the potential IEEPA refund process shows how rapidly trade policy can evolve. Companies that are operationally prepared — particularly with ACE account access and digital customs infrastructure — will be best positioned to recover duties quickly if refunds are approved.

Second, geopolitical developments remain a major driver of logistics volatility. Middle East tensions have already begun impacting routing decisions, transit times, and pricing.

While these disruptions are still developing, we expect continued route adjustments, temporary surcharges, and schedule variability as carriers respond to evolving security conditions.

Our team continues to monitor these developments closely and advise clients on routing strategy, customs preparation, and risk mitigation.

The Shortcut

Smart tips for smart shippers — key takeaways from this week’s newsletter

CBP evaluating automated refund process for IEEPA tariffs
Refund system could launch within ~45 days pending court approval
All CBP refunds now electronic only (ACH)
Importers must have ACE Portal + ACH Refund Authorization configured
Middle East tensions forcing shipping route adjustments and capacity changes
Carriers introducing war risk and conflict surcharges

Global logistics and trade policy continue to evolve quickly.

If you have questions about the IEEPA refund process, ACE setup, or potential supply chain impacts from the Middle East situation, our team is here to assist.

📧 sales@shipjr.com