Beyond the Blockade: Navigating the Economic Aftershocks of Global Trade Instability
- Schulz Trade Law
- Apr 16
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 22
Beyond the Blockade: Navigating the Economic Aftershocks of Global Trade Instability
Michelle Schulz joins SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking to discuss the Strait of Hormuz, the "ACE" refund system, and the looming threat of a 2026 recession.
Overview
As military maneuvers intensify in the Strait of Hormuz and diplomatic tensions rise with our North American neighbors, the U.S. economy is entering a period of "choppy waters." In a comprehensive interview on Road Dog Trucking with Dan Ronen, international trade attorney Michelle Schulz detailed how these global disruptions are trickling down to the American consumer.
From surging gas prices to the rerouting of shipping containers around the Cape of Good Hope, the "state of confusion" in global logistics is forcing many U.S. importers to fight for their survival.
The Logistics Crisis and the Path to Recovery
The conversation highlighted a critical shift in the trade landscape: the movement toward "near-shoring" is stalling due to instability within the USMCA, while the domestic trucking industry faces a significant dip in container volumes. Michelle emphasizes that for businesses to survive this volatility, they must move beyond traditional logistics and explore technical trade solutions like Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) and bonded warehouses to manage rising costs.
Perhaps most pressing for many businesses is the legal battle over tariffs. While many emergency tariffs have been deemed unconstitutional, Michelle warns that reclaiming those funds will be a marathon, not a sprint.
"Getting the money back is going to be much harder than putting the money in. Customs typically drag their feet on refunds. The good thing about this is it is electronic and it is supposed to be automatic... but it will not be fast. I don’t expect it’ll be a quick turnaround."
To facilitate this, Michelle advises importers to immediately utilize the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system to identify entries and begin the claim process, even as the government prepares for a "long, slow, litigious process."
Secure Your Refunds and Future-Proof Your Supply Chain.
Whether you are navigating the complexities of the ACE refund system or looking to implement a Foreign Trade Zone to defer rising tariffs, expert guidance is your best defense.
Contact Schulz Trade Law to connect with a technical expert who can help your company save money and stay compliant in a volatile market.
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