President Donald Trump sent U.S. tariff letters to 14 countries, warning of tariffs between 25% and 40% unless new trade agreements are reached by August 1, 2025. These tariffs aim to encourage fair trade and protect U.S. businesses. Countries impacted include Laos, Myanmar, Japan, and others. A similar letter imposing a 35% tariff was also sent to Canada. The administration warns tariffs could increase if negotiations fail.
The U.S. has postponed the effective date of higher reciprocal tariff rates from July 9 to August 1, 2025, citing ongoing discussions with trading partners and new recommendations from senior officials. The delay applies to a wide range of HTSUS provisions but does not affect the separate suspension of 145% tariff rates on China, which remains in place. The move extends the current 10% ad valorem rate and gives trading partners additional time to align with U.S. economic and national security priorities.
The U.S. Department of Commerce has introduced a new process that lets U.S. auto parts manufacturers request the inclusion of more imported parts under the 25% Section 232 tariffs. Starting July 1, 2025, requests can be submitted during four designated windows each year. Submissions must include part details, trade data, and national security impact. Valid requests will undergo public comment and review. Approved items will be added to the tariff list, with enforcement by Commerce and Customs authorities.
Guidance now available - covers tariff-rate quotas, including detailed information on the purpose, coverage, quota volumes, duration, and method of administration. Effective June 27, 2025, the Government of Canada has imposed a 50% surtax on certain steel imports in response to unfair trade practices and global overcapacity. This punitive measure applies to designated steel products originating from specific countries identified as contributing to market distortions. Importers should review affected tariff classifications and prepare for immediate cost implications on impacted shipments.
A reminder that Chapter 73 and 76 can now be broken out. Effective June 4, 2025, the United States will double Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports—from 25% to 50%—under a new presidential proclamation. While the U.K. will retain the 25% rate through July 9, the Commerce Secretary may later impose quotas or increase duties if the U.K. fails to meet its commitments under the U.S.-U.K. Economic Prosperity Deal. The updated guidance also introduces content-based duty assessments, new Chapter 99 HTS codes, and a revised stacking order to prioritize Section 232 enforcement over IEEPA tariffs.
On June 11, 2025, the U.S. launched antidumping and countervailing duty investigations into hardwood and decorative plywood imports from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The cases target most plywood products—excluding structural plywood and furniture—amid claims of unfair pricing and subsidies. With subsidy rates above legal thresholds, duties are likely, and importers should prepare for possible retroactive costs on shipments after June 11.
Companies exporting food products to China are reminded that the CIFER registration renewal window opens on July 1, 2025. If your facility’s registration expires on January 1, 2026, and falls under categories such as edible oils, plant spices, grain products, or malt, you must submit an Application for Extension in the CIFER system between July 1 and September 30, 2025. Missing this deadline could result in cancellation of your registration and disruption of exports to China.
UPDATED CBP GUIDANCE published June 24, 2025 (lists the correct number for pre-existing HTSUS 9903.81.98). Beginning June 23, eight new household appliances and components—including refrigerators, dryers, washers, and food waste disposals—will be subject to the 50% Section 232 steel derivative tariff under Proclamation 10896. BIS confirmed the changes in a final rule amending Annex 1, noting that the tariff will apply based on the value of the steel content in each product. Welded wire racks classified under 9403.99.9020 will also remain subject to aluminum tariffs under Proclamation 10895 for their aluminum content.
The Government of Canada announced a robust set of measures to defend the country’s steel and aluminum industries in response to new U.S. tariffs. These include adjusted counter-tariffs, reciprocal procurement rules, import quotas on non-FTA steel, and new origin-based tariff rules. The federal government is also launching industry task forces and continuing financial support for large businesses impacted by trade instability. As negotiations for a new Canada-U.S. economic partnership continue, Ottawa is making it clear: protecting Canadian workers and industrial resilience is non-negotiable.
Effective June 28, 2025, CBP will require importers of derivative aluminum subject to Section 232 to report “unknown” for smelt or cast origin when that information is not available. Entries marked “unknown” must declare HTS 9903.85.67 or 9903.85.68 and will incur the 200% tariff rate applied to Russian aluminum. CBP’s updated guidance outlines mandatory reporting codes, ISO requirements, and new ACE system error messages tied to smelt and cast data.
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