President Trump signed an executive order tightening U.S. customs enforcement, barring foreign importers from informal entry, raising bonding requirements, and expanding supply chain disclosures. The order sets a 50% minimum penalty floor, eliminates mitigation for repeat offenders, and directs DHS and DOJ to prioritize forced labor and transshipment violations.
USTR has determined that several Brazilian trade practices are actionable under Section 301, including digital trade restrictions, tariff policies, intellectual property enforcement gaps, ethanol market access issues, and deforestation concerns. The agency has proposed responsive action and is accepting public comments ahead of final decisions in July 2026.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is requesting public comments on a proposed U.S.-China Board of Trade to manage reciprocal tariff adjustments on non-sensitive goods. Separately, it has proposed Section 301 duties on 60 economies linked to forced labor concerns, with rates of 10% to 12.5% and key exemptions under review.
The USTR has launched a Section 301 investigation into Vietnam over concerns about intellectual property protection and enforcement. The action follows Vietnam’s designation in the 2026 Special 301 Report. Officials say ongoing enforcement gaps affect U.S. businesses, with potential trade responses after the investigation concludes.
Section 232 tariff modifications for Taiwan adjust duties on auto parts, civil aircraft components, and wood products effective May 1, 2026. CBP guidance introduces new HTSUS classifications, self-certification options, exemptions, and retroactive relief through PSC filings. Changes impact duty rates, reporting requirements, and eligibility for drawback preferential treatment under agreements.
CBP launched phase 1 of CAPE April 20, 2026, allowing importers and authorized brokers to file IEEPA duty refund claims electronically and consolidating processing for eligible entries, including unliquidated entries and those within 80 days of liquidation. First payments will begin as early as May 12. In line with this, CBP shared best practices to avoid refund scams.
On May 7, 2026, the U.S. Court of International Trade struck down the 10% Section 122 tariffs in a 2-1 decision, ruling that Presidential Proclamation No. 11012 failed to identify a true balance-of-payments deficit under the Trade Act of 1974. The injunction applies only to named plaintiffs, so most importers must continue paying Section 122 tariffs at the border while the government appeals to the Federal Circuit.
Auto parts self-certification allows importers to declare certain goods under Section 232 automotive tariff rules when products may be used in vehicle manufacturing or repair. Learn HTSUS classifications, eligibility conditions, and how USMCA provisions can help offset duties for qualifying imports under current CBP guidance.
The U.S. Department of Commerce introduced HTSUS 9903.82.01 for products that contain no aluminum, steel, or copper under the Section 232 trade remedy program. The update applies retroactively to April 6, 2026, and may require importers to amend entries previously filed under exemption 9903.82.03 for qualifying non-metal goods.
The U.S. Department of Commerce issued procedures under Proclamation 10984 allowing eligible steel and aluminum producers in Canada and Mexico to apply for tariff reductions. The program covers imports used in automobiles, trucks, buses, and related parts. CBP guidance clarifies entry reporting procedures for approved USMCA-qualifying MHDVs.
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.