Trump imposes 15% tariff on polysilicon to curb China reliance

CargoAnalytica

A selection of today’s most relevant news in global logistics, international trade, transport, customs, and geopolitics — August 18, 2026.

Today’s Headlines

  • Trump imposes 15% tariff on polysilicon to curb China reliance
  • El Niño threatens severe disruption to global commodity markets
  • US Naval Blockade Halts Iranian Oil Exports and Fuels Market Pressure
  • Major criminal smuggling network dismantled in European operation
  • UK launches safeguard investigation on polyethylene terephthalate
  • SeaLead enters liquidation following US sanctions on Iran ties
  • DP World cuts 300 jobs in major European operations overhaul
  • Le Havre port provides surveillance footage to security services
  • Rotterdam reports Rhine low water reduces barge loads by 50%
  • Panama Canal Authority reduces neo-panamax draught limit again
  • UK initiates safeguard investigation on polyethylene terephthalate imports
  • Critical truck driver shortage pressures Europe’s road freight
  • Argentina reopens ports as pilots end strikes affecting 150 ships

Today’s Analysis

🛢️ US naval blockade halts Iran oil exports, pressuring energy markets and triggering SeaLead liquidation

Why it matters: Disrupted Iranian supply and stricter sanctions enforcement raise energy price risk and heighten compliance exposure across shipping and trade finance.

  • A US Navy blockade has paralyzed Iran’s crude exports, intensifying pressure on global energy markets.
  • SeaLead said it will enter liquidation after US sanctions over alleged links to Iran trades.
  • Carriers, insurers, and traders with Iran-adjacent exposure face elevated sanctions-screening and counterparty risks.

Subscribe to keep reading. It's free.

Already subscribed? Just enter your email to continue.


The pulse of global freight & trade in 5 minutes.

Data, not just news. The international trade and logistics intelligence your supply chain needs daily to make informed decisions today, without reading 40-page reports.

Analysis on ocean freight, international trade, geopolitics, global transport, and the trends disrupting your supply chain. el año 91 acumulando experiencia y experiencias, “reales”.

News of import and export.

-Data Controller: Diego Carmona.
-Purpose: Sending news, services, products, and offers by email.
-I do not spam and will never sell your data.
-Rights: You may exercise your rights of access, rectification, limitation, and deletion of data at diego@diegocarmona.com, as well as the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.
-In the legal notice, you will find additional information regarding the collection and use of your personal information, including details on access, retention, rectification, deletion, security, and other topics.