Domestic Moves | How US Trade is Turning Inward

Global trade is undergoing a shift, and the US is at the center of it. 

After years of relying on international manufacturing and logistics, companies across America are bringing things closer to home. In April this year, there was a 20% decline in imports into the US, representing a clear turning point in trade activity.

What’s driving this shift? A mixture of tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and the need for better supply chain management. 

This trend, referred to as domestic moves, is reshaping how goods are made, moved, and protected. It has created a localized network of trade that is changing the flow of goods across the nation. 

Nearshoring: A Step Closer to Home

Before going entirely domestic, companies are experimenting with nearshoring, which involves moving production to neighboring countries. 

The benefits include: 

1. Closer proximity to main markets 
2. Lower geopolitical risks 
3. Easier communications 
4. Fewer tariffs 

This strategy has already had a measurable impact, where the US has significantly reduced dependence on China, with companies shifting towards North American partners. This transition is redefining logistics, demand planning, and inventory management, paving the way for more regionalised economies.

However, as trade moves inward, a new problem is arising. With high-value assets travelling around the US, the risk of cargo theft is on the rise.

Cargo Theft On the Rise

The surge in domestic trade has led to an increase in criminal activity. Cargo theft in the US has cost the economy an estimated $35 billion annually. 

The more high-value cargo moves around the US, the more attractive it becomes to organized criminals. 

Cargo theft is fast becoming a threat to domestic trade. Criminals are increasingly strategic, primarily targeting trucks carrying high-value goods and impersonating legitimate shippers to reroute the cargo.

Where the Importer of Record Makes a Difference

This is where an Importer of Record is crucial. Unlike traditional freight forwarders, we go the extra mile in ensuring your shipment is safe and secure throughout the entire import journey. 

We have had years of experience dealing with large amounts of high-value shipments, allowing us to develop the processes that prioritise security at every step of the shipment process.

Our end-to-end IOR solutions combine logistics and expertise with real-time protection technologies. We have 110% liability coverage, as well as real-time tracking devices in our containers that monitor temperature, light levels, and the cargo’s location throughout the trade journey.

By combining compliance with security, we help ship high-value goods safely and securely.

Beyond the Borders

While much of the spotlight is on the US and how it is leading the way in domestic moves, we also facilitate tech trade among global regions. Whether it is moving hardware across the US, throughout Asia, or within the EU, our trusted IOR services ensure your goods arrive at their destination.