Trade Updates
We are more than just a customs broker – we’re knowledge leaders. Stay compliant and save on your bottom line with recent updates.
Subscribe!
Stay in the loop, stay compliant! Get weekly or daily insights into all things trade and event invites, delivered right to your inbox.
CIFER Registration Renewal Window Opens July 1, 2025 for Exporters
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.
Webinar: Help Shape the Guide to Reporting to the Federal Plastics Registry
Have Your Say: Federal Plastics Registry – Phase 2. Environment and Climate Change Canada is developing a guidance document to support Phase 2 reporting to the Federal Plastics Registry. A summary of the proposed content is now available for review, and we welcome your feedback by July 24, 2025. To support your review, join one of our upcoming webinars (in English or French) on June 26 or July 10 for an overview and Q&A session. Get the meeting links.
New Steel Derivatives Added to 50% Section 232 Tariffs Effective June 23 (Updated Guidance)
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.
CBP Launches New Forced Labor Allegation Portal with Upcoming Webinar Training
On June 20, 2025, CBP launches the Forced Labor Allegation Portal, a new digital platform for submitting and tracking forced labor complaints in the U.S. supply chain. The portal allows for anonymous submissions, document uploads, and real-time updates, streamlining communication with CBP’s Forced Labor Division. Access, training resources, and upcoming webinars are available to help users transition from the former e-Allegations system.
Canada’s New Measures to Defend Steel and Aluminum Industry Against U.S. Tariffs
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.
Tariff Relief Within Seven Days Under U.S.-U.K. Deal Once Federal Notice Published
The U.S. will soon reduce Section 232 tariffs on British-built cars, auto parts, and aerospace products under a new bilateral trade arrangement with the United Kingdom. Once the June 16 executive order is published in the Federal Register, a new 10% total tariff will apply to up to 100,000 British vehicles annually, and qualifying auto parts and civil aircraft components will be exempt from additional duties. These changes are part of the broader U.S.-U.K. Economic Prosperity Deal, aimed at easing trade barriers while supporting supply chain security and national interests.
CBP Guidance for Section 232 Aluminum Import Instructions to Report Unknown for Country of Smelt and Cast
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.
FDA Outage: June 21- June 22, 2025
The FDA-CBP interface will be down from June 21 at 10:00PM ET to June 22 at 6:00AM ET. FDA will not process entries or send messages during this time. Prior Notices may be delayed—submit early and avoid resubmitting entries to reduce processing time.
U.S. Opens Comments on China’s Shipbuilding Dominance Section 301 Action
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
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.
CBP Extends In-Transit Tariff Exemption to June 16 Following Trade Court Ruling
CBP) has extended the in-transit tariff exemption deadline to June 16, 2025, following a federal court ruling that vacated tariffs imposed under the IEEPA Reciprocal. The updated guidance allows additional time for goods already in transit before the April tariff effective dates to qualify for exemption, while legal proceedings continue.
Appeals Court Halts Tariff Repeal After CIT Strikes Down IEEPA 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.
Resources to Support Canadian Exporters Facing U.S. Tariffs
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.
U.S. Surtax Remission Order Updated
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.
New Tariff Relief Procedures for USMCA-Eligible Automobile Imports
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.
Guidance on Executive Order Issued to Prevent Tariff Stacking on U.S. Imports
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.
Guidance on U.S. Energy Imports from Canada (Updated)
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.
Key Changes to Ad Valorem Duty Rate, Tariff Modifications and De Minimis for China
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.
U.S. and China Announce Landmark Trade Agreement
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.
U.S.-UK Reach Historic Trade Deal
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.
Subscribe!
