CBP Guidance for Section 232 Aluminum Import Instructions to Report Unknown for Country of Smelt and Cast

2025-06-13T21:54:56+00:00June 13th, 2025|International Trade Issues, Trade Compliance, U.S. Customs|

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.

U.S. Opens Comments on China’s Shipbuilding Dominance Section 301 Action

2025-06-09T18:55:32+00:00June 9th, 2025|International Trade Issues, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, U.S. Customs|

The USTR is seeking public comment on proposed modifications to the Section 301 trade action targeting China’s domination of the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. Key changes include revising vehicle carrier fees from Car Equivalent Units to net tonnage and exempting Maritime Security Program vessels, as well as eliminating a provision that allowed suspension of LNG export licenses. Stakeholders have until July 7, 2025, to submit comments via USTR docket number 2025-0013.

Section 301 Tariff Exclusions Extended Through August 31, 2025

2025-06-06T16:22:59+00:00June 2nd, 2025|International Trade Issues, U.S. Customs|

The USTR has extended 178 product exclusions from Section 301 tariffs on Chinese imports through August 31, 2025. The extension covers 164 exclusions previously extended in May 2024 and 14 solar-related exclusions granted in September 2024. Importers can continue to claim relief under HTSUS headings 9903.88.69 and 9903.88.70, with updated effective dates and guidance to be issued by CBP.

Appeals Court Halts Tariff Repeal After CIT Strikes Down IEEPA Tariffs

2025-07-16T01:02:02+00:00May 30th, 2025|International Trade Issues, Other Government Agencies/Depts., U.S. Customs, U.S. Tariffs|

The rollback of Trump-era tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) has been temporarily halted after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued a stay on May 29. This follows a ruling by the Court of International Trade that invalidated all related executive orders, including tariffs on imports from China, Canada, and Mexico. The appeals court will now consider the government’s motion to maintain the tariffs while litigation continues.

Guidance on U.S. Energy Imports from Canada (Updated)

2025-07-16T01:02:51+00:00May 15th, 2025|International Trade Issues, Trade Compliance, U.S. Customs, U.S. Tariffs|

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.

U.S. Counters China’s Shipbuilding Dominance with Section 301 Action

2025-06-06T16:48:35+00:00April 17th, 2025|International Trade Issues, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, U.S. Customs|

The USTR has announced phased Section 301 measures targeting China’s dominance in shipbuilding, logistics, and maritime sectors, following a year-long investigation. The action includes new service fees, future transport restrictions, and proposed tariffs to strengthen U.S. supply chain resilience and domestic vessel production.

China Imposes Sweeping 125% (up from 84%) Tariff on U.S. Imports

2025-06-06T16:49:50+00:00April 11th, 2025|International Trade Issues, Trade Compliance, U.S. Customs|

In a sharp escalation of the U.S.–China trade war, China announced it will impose 34% tariffs on all American imports starting April 10, 2025. The move directly responds to President Donald Trump's newly imposed 34% tariff on all Chinese goods, bringing total U.S. duties on Chinese imports to over 54% when combined with previous measures. China also blacklisted 11 U.S. tech and defense firms and rolled out new export controls, signaling a significant breakdown in economic relations between the two global powers.

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