Trade Updates
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Canada Announces New Measures to Protect Steel and Lumber Industries
Canada announces measures to protect steel and lumber industries, including a 25% tariff on targeted steel products, reduced freight rates, homebuilding initiatives, and financial support for workers and businesses. These steps aim to strengthen domestic demand and help industries adapt to U.S. trade disruptions.
Canada Releases Regulations for Free Trade and Labour Mobility Act
Canada released regulations for the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act, outlining how federal rules will recognize provincial standards, support labour mobility, and preserve key exemptions for food safety and supply-managed sectors. The Act takes effect on January 1, 2026.
CBP Implements Enhanced Air Cargo Advance Screening
CBP implements enhanced ACAS requirements for air cargo shipments, introducing new mandatory and conditional data elements. The Verified Known Consignor program provides trusted trade partner benefits. A one-year compliance period allows filers to adjust. Guidance is available via CBP.gov.
Canada Launches Electronic Export Certificates for Grain Trade with Mexico
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency now issues electronic phytosanitary certificates for grain exports to Mexico. The digital system reduces fraud and delays, supports trade efficiency, and strengthens Canada-Mexico commercial ties under the 2025–2028 Action Plan.
U.S. Removes Tariffs On Certain Brazilian Goods
On Nov. 20, 2025, the White House removed Brazil tariffs on beef, coffee, and other Brazilian agricultural products previously subject to a 40% levy. CBP confirms 238 HTSUS codes and 11 additional product categories are now removed from the tariff list, effective Nov. 13.
U.S. Agricultural Tariff Exemptions Updated – Effective Nov. 13, 2025
The White House expanded U.S. tariff exemptions for agricultural products on November 14, 2025. CBP guidance covers 237 HTSUS classifications and 11 additional categories, including tropical fruits, acai, coconut water, and baked goods. Importers must use designated subheadings for smooth compliance.
U.S. Lowers Tariffs to 15% in Historic Trade Deal with Switzerland and Liechtenstein
The U.S., Switzerland, and Liechtenstein reached a historic trade deal reducing tariffs to 15%, expanding market access for U.S. manufacturers and agricultural exporters, and securing $200 billion in investments. The agreement will create thousands of American jobs across multiple sectors.
U.S. and Argentina Agree on Reciprocal Trade and Investment Framework
The U.S. and Argentina agreed on a trade and investment framework to expand market access, reduce tariffs, and simplify trade processes. The agreement also covers intellectual property, agriculture, labor, environment, and digital trade, strengthening bilateral economic ties
U.S. and Guatemala Reach Framework to Expand Trade
The U.S. and Guatemala agreed on a trade framework to strengthen CAFTA-DR. Guatemala will reduce trade barriers, improve regulations, enforce IP and labor standards, support digital trade, and the U.S. will remove tariffs on qualifying Guatemalan exports.
U.S. and El Salvador Reach Framework for a New Reciprocal Trade Agreement
The U.S. and El Salvador agreed on a new reciprocal trade framework that expands cooperation under CAFTA-DR. The deal removes key barriers, supports digital trade, strengthens labor and environmental standards, and sets the stage for tariff adjustments once the agreement takes effect.
U.S. and Ecuador Agree on Reciprocal Trade Framework to Expand Market Access
The U.S. and Ecuador agreed on a reciprocal trade framework to expand market access, reduce tariffs, address non-tariff barriers, and enhance labor, environmental, and digital trade standards while strengthening economic and national security cooperation.
U.S. and China Reach Landmark Trade Deal (CBP Guidance Available)
During the APEC 2025 meeting, Presidents Trump and Xi reached a landmark trade deal to rebalance U.S.-China economic relations and expand market access. On Nov. 4, the White House issued Executive Orders formalizing the agreement. Most recently, a CBP guidance on Nov. 7 confirmed the updated tariff rates, including the suspension of reciprocal tariffs and the reduction of fentanyl-related duties to 10%.
GHY International and Customs Support Group Forge Strategic Global Partnership
GHY International partners with Europe’s Customs Support Group to provide seamless, cross-border customs brokerage and trade compliance solutions. This strategic collaboration enhances global trade efficiency, offering expert guidance and integrated digital support for businesses navigating complex international regulations.
Blending Legacies with Care: How GHY International and W.G. McKay Unite Around People and Service
GHY International’s acquisition of W.G. McKay is about continuity, care, and collaboration—blending two legacies with 235 years of combined customs brokerage experience. Clients can expect the same trusted team and processes, now supported by broader resources, smarter tools, and a shared commitment to excellence. Together, we’re reinforcing a standard of service that keeps trade moving with precision and accountability.
U.S. Applies a 25% Tariff on Imports of Autos and Parts – (Guidance on Duty Offset for Parts)
The U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on imported automobiles, light trucks, and key parts under Section 232 to strengthen domestic manufacturing. On October 31, 2025, CBP released guidance detailing duty offset procedures for eligible importers, outlining how to file claims through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE).
CBP Updates ACE Portal to Enable Electronic Refund Enrollment (Enhanced Portal Application Now Available)
On September 30, 2025, CBP updated the ACE Secure Data Portal to allow trade users to submit U.S. bank information and receive refunds electronically through ACH. On October 30, 2025, CBP launched the automated ACE Portal account application process to simplify account setup for importers.
Section 232 Tariffs on Heavy/Medium-Duty Trucks and Buses (CBP Guidance Available)
The U.S. will impose Section 232 tariffs starting Nov. 1, 2025, on heavy- and medium-duty trucks, parts, and buses to protect national security and boost U.S. production. CBP issued guidance Oct. 29 outlining filing rules, USMCA provisions, and domestic assembly and materials exemptions.
U.S.–Japan Agreement (Critical Minerals and Investment Updates)
CBP issued updated guidance on Sept.15, 2025, implementing the U.S.–Japan agreement, securing $550B in investment and applying a 15% baseline tariff on autos and parts. In a new Fact Sheet, the White House outlines Japan’s Critical Minerals and Rare Earths Framework and targeted investments in energy, AI, electronics, manufacturing, and U.S. supply chains.
U.S. and Cambodia Reach Framework for Reciprocal Trade
The United States and Cambodia finalized a Reciprocal Trade Agreement removing tariffs on all U.S. goods and improving market access. The deal covers digital trade, IP protection, customs modernization, and labor and environmental standards, marking a major step in strengthening U.S.–Cambodia trade ties.
U.S. and Malaysia Reach Agreement on Reciprocal Trade
The U.S. and Malaysia have reached a reciprocal trade agreement to expand market access for exporters, streamline tariffs and regulations, enforce labor and environmental standards, strengthen digital trade and IP protections, and open commercial opportunities across sectors including aerospace, energy, and critical minerals.
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