Global Affairs Canada has launched new Trade Commissioner Service tools to help exporters navigate U.S. tariffs and benefit from CUSMA exemptions. Since March 7, 2025, CUSMA-compliant goods have been exempt from the 25% tariff on general goods and 10% on energy products. New resources include a compliance guide, self-serve tools, and links to support programs.
The CBSA has updated the United States Surtax Remission Order (Customs Notice 25-19) to expand eligibility and clarify conditions for relief from surtaxes imposed under recent U.S. trade measures. The updates introduce new guidance for goods imported under the Courier Low Value Shipment (CLVS) program and clarify eligibility for products used in Canadian manufacturing, food and beverage packaging, and public health or safety applications. Notably, only goods directly imported by or for eligible entities—and used for qualifying activities—may receive remission. Businesses that qualify may recover surtax already paid or apply for relief on future imports using the designated OIC code.
Importers of automobiles from Canada and Mexico that qualify under the USMCA can submit documentation to Commerce to determine U.S. content values. This process enables importers to apply the new 25% tariff only to non-U.S. content, potentially reducing overall duty costs on vehicles impacted by Proclamation 10908.
CBP has issued updated guidance implementing Executive Order 14289 to prevent tariff stacking on certain imported articles. Effective retroactively to March 4, 2025, the order establishes a clear prioritization framework for five overlapping trade measures, including Section 232 and IEEPA-based tariffs. Importers are advised to follow the duty application sequence outlined by CBP and may request refunds on entries that were subject to improperly stacked duties.
An updated list of Canadian energy and energy-related resources is now available (May 15, 2025). This update supplements earlier guidance issued by CBP regarding the 10% additional tariff under HTSUS 9903.01.13, effective March 4, 2025. As previously noted, Canadian-origin energy products that do not qualify under the USMCA are subject to this additional duty. Products that meet USMCA origin criteria remain exempt, and CBP continues to encourage importers to seek binding classification rulings where eligibility is uncertain.
An Executive Order has been issued modifying the United States’ reciprocal tariff framework with China, following early signs of trade cooperation. The order temporarily lowers punitive tariff rates, suspends several HTSUS provisions, and defers a planned duty hike on low-value imports—all effective May 14, 2025.
Effective May 14, 2025, the U.S. will suspend 24 percentage points of its 34% reciprocal tariff on Chinese goods for 90 days—retaining a 10% baseline = 145% to 30%. In parallel, China will suspend 24 percentage points of its 34% tariff on U.S. goods for 90 days, maintain a 10% baseline = 125% to 10%, eliminate recent retaliatory tariffs, and withdraw non-tariff measures imposed since April 2, 2025. Full details here.
The U.S. and U.K. have announced a landmark Economic Prosperity Deal to boost trade, reduce barriers, and secure supply chains. The agreement opens $5 billion in new export opportunities for U.S. producers and lays the foundation for deeper, fairer economic ties.
We are proud to announce that once again, GHY has been announced a winner of Canada's Best Managed Companies, retaining its Platinum Club status for the 11th consecutive year, maintaining its status as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies for the past 17 years. Full details here.
CBP has clarified when separate informal entries may be filed for shipments consigned to a single consignee. The guidance outlines exceptions to the general rule requiring one entry per conveyance and explains when multiple informal entries may be used under specific regulatory conditions.
Established in 1901, GHY International is a leading trade and brokerage services provider that offers acclaimed support and guidance to North American companies that trade internationally.
Proud to partner with Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters.
Copyright © GHY International | Geo. H. Young & Co. Ltd.