USTR Issues Section 301 Tariff Action on Nicaragua Starting Jan. 1, 2026
The USTR has announced Section 301 tariffs on Nicaraguan imports due to labor rights, human rights, and rule of law concerns. Effective January 1, 2026, tariffs will phase in over two years for goods not originating under the CAFTA-DR agreement, starting at 0% in 2026 and increasing to 15% by 2028. These measures will stack with existing trade remedies, including the 18% Reciprocal Tariff. Importers should review CAFTA-DR eligibility and plan for compliance with new trade regulations.