In May 2026, domestic and foreign foreign trade and logistics policies will undergo a comprehensive update. This series of changes will have a profound impact on the global trade pattern.
Domestically, the newly revised Maritime Law has been officially implemented. One of the important changes is that the responsibility for no one to pick up the goods at the unloading port has been shifted to the shipper’s primary responsibility.
This means that shippers need to bear more responsibilities and risks during cargo transportation and need to handle all aspects of cargo transportation more carefully.
At the same time, my country has implemented preferential zero tariffs for African countries that have diplomatic relations with Africa. The introduction of this policy will further promote trade between my country and African countries and bring more business opportunities to enterprises on both sides.
The General Administration of Customs has also adjusted the declaration items for export customs declarations, which requires foreign trade companies to be more accurate and standardized when declaring to ensure smooth customs clearance of goods.
In addition, six departments have introduced policies to support the development of cross-border e-commerce, which will bring new development opportunities to the cross-border e-commerce industry and promote the further growth of my country’s cross-border e-commerce business.
Internationally, the United States has updated aluminum and copper tariffs and medical mask standards.
For companies involved in aluminum and copper trade and medical mask exports, they need to re-evaluate their market strategies to adapt to new tariffs and standard requirements.
The European Union, the Eurasian Economic Union, South Korea, India and other countries and regional organizations have successively issued new regulations on chemical control, product traceability, tariff reduction and exemption, and certification of energy efficiency, safety and environmental protection bans.
These new regulations cover multiple fields and put forward higher requirements for enterprises’ production, operation and trading activities.
South Africa, New Zealand, Chile, Saudi Arabia and other countries have simultaneously strengthened import supervision and tax mechanisms, which means that foreign trade companies need to more strictly abide by local regulations and policies when trading with these countries to ensure that goods can enter the local market smoothly.
As global trade compliance thresholds continue to increase, foreign trade companies are facing greater challenges.
Enterprises need to understand and adapt to policy changes in a timely manner and standardize the declaration process to ensure that goods can clear customs smoothly.
At the same time, companies also need to strengthen communication and cooperation with all parties to jointly respond to the challenges brought about by policy changes.
Only in this way can enterprises remain invincible in the fierce global market competition.
In short, the new foreign trade regulations in May 2026 have brought new patterns and challenges to global trade.
Foreign trade companies need to pay close attention to policy changes and actively adjust business strategies to adapt to the new market environment.
It is believed that with the joint efforts of all parties, global trade will usher in healthier and more stable development.
