U.S. containerized imports dropped 2 percent in April year over year, to 1,372,851 twenty-foot-equivalent units, said Mario Moreno, economist for The Journal of Commerce/PIERS. The decline followed a 7.3 percent year-over-year gain in March due, in part, to an early Lunar New Year in China. Moreno predicted growth in imports will regain speed in the second half of the year, with the help of Federal Reserve intervention. Overall U.S. containerized imports were up 1 percent in the first four months of the year, the report said. Imports of footwear and miscellaneous fruits were each down 20 percent, the report said: menswear was down 19 percent; women's and infant wear down 11 percent; miscellaneous apparel down 11 percent; auto tires down 6 percent; and computer-related products down 8 percent. U.S. containerized imports from Asia declined 1.6 percent in April, with shipments from China down 3 percent. Chile dropped 25 percent, Hong Kong 11 percent and Belgium 17 percent. Japan was up 17 percent, and Vietnam up 14 percent.

The U.S. and Chinese governments should begin a constructive dialogue to "avert a destructive global trade war" in the solar industry, said the Coalition for Affordable Solar Energy, a manufacturers group. Chinese and Indian companies are seeking anti-subsidy and anti-dumping investigations against companies entering their markets from the U.S. and other countries.

A book, Import/Export Kit For Dummies, 2nd Edition with CD, by John Capela, says "the global marketplace provides opportunities not just for multinational corporations but also for small upstart companies." The book, $34.99, is available at bookstores or by calling 877-762-2974. Capela is an international business consultant who has taught marketing, management, and other business courses for more than 20 years. He conducts import/export seminars in the New York metropolitan area.

The Teamsters will begin negotiations Sept. 27 in Washington for the national UPS and UPS Freight contracts covering about 250,000 union members nationwide, said Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer and Package Division Ken Hall. The UPS contract is the largest collective bargaining agreement in the country. The current five-year agreements expire July 31, 2013. The decision to push UPS to the bargaining table was triggered by the company's recent strong financial performance and record profits, the union said. It said issues to be addressed in the bargaining include work preservation related to subcontracting, workload and safety and health.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce organized a private sector delegation to tour key points along the U.S.-Mexico border this week to advance border trade facilitation and highlight the deep economic ties between the two countries, it said. The Chamber's group is joining a public sector delegation of U.S. and Mexican government officials on the trip. Stops will include San Diego, Tijuana, Mexico, El Paso, Santa Teresa, N.M., Cuidad Juarez, Mexico, Laredo, TX, and Monterrey, Mexico. Companies participating include the Border Trade Alliance, Duty Free Americas, FedEx Express, FerroMex, Fresh Produce Association, IBC, Menlo, Regal Beloit Corporation and SunFed.

Air Transport Services Group said its ABX Air subsidiary deployed two Boeing 767 freighter aircraft with DHL under short-term ACMI arrangements in support of DHL’s U.S. air network. ATSG said a 767-200 and a 767-300 freighter aircraft are supplementing 18 Boeing 767 freighter aircraft (14 of which are owned by ATSG) that ABX Air is operating for DHL in the domestic market. The two aircraft were placed in service for DHL on June 1 under agreements following the recent removal of several aircraft from DHL’s network by another carrier, it said.

The American Association of Exporters and Importers will partner with Mexico's National Council of the Import Export Industries to share information on changes in trade laws and trade policies in their respective countries, they said at the AAEI Annual Conference & Expo in Crystal City, Virginia. The agreement was announced by AAEI President Marianne Rowden and INDEX President Luis Aguirre Lang.

Atlas Air Worldwide said its Atlas Air unit has taken delivery of its fourth Boeing 747-8 Freighter, to enter service for Panalpina under a previously announced long-term agreement. The acquisition was financed in part with proceeds from a term loan provided by Apple Bank for Savings and guaranteed by the Export-Import Bank of the U.S. Atlas Air earlier did a similar deal with British Airways World Cargo. Atlas Air expects to receive a total of four 747-8Fs in 2012, including the two for Panalpina, and two more in the first half of 2013.

B+H Ocean Carriers said it, several of its subsidiaries and related entities filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. The company said it intends to restructure its balance sheet and emerge as a recapitalized shipowning business, continuing to specialize in the transportation of refined petroleum products and dry bulk commodities. It said there would be no interruption of service. B+H owns a fleet of four product-suitable Panamax combination carriers capable of transporting both wet and dry bulk cargoes, along with a 50% interest in an additional combination carrier.

Demand for containerized ocean services was likely incrementally higher year-over-year through March and early April due to some organic growth, according to the monthly trend report by the Airforwarders Association. It said its research indicates same-shipper volume is likely up 2-3% year-over-year. It said industry commentary suggests demand for ocean freight forwarding services was up approximately 3% year-over-year during March.