Trade Updates
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U.S. Customs Announces 2026 Quota Openings for Tobacco and Sugars
U.S. Customs announces 2026 tariff-rate quota openings for tobacco and sugar products, including raw cane, refined, specialty, and sugar-containing goods. Importers must observe specific opening dates and submit required certificates like CQEs to ensure compliance.
CBP ACE Update: Automated Rejections for Incomplete Cargo Manifests
CBP's ACE update enforces auto-rejection of manifests missing clear cargo descriptions, shipper, or consignee names. Updates span air, ocean, rail, and truck. Testing is live in ACE CERT; official rollout is September 27, 2025, to boost trade compliance.
Canada to Remove Surtax/Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. CUSMA Goods Sept. 1, Sectoral Remain
Canada will lift all retaliatory tariffs on CUSMA-compliant U.S. goods starting September 1, 2025, while keeping duties on steel, aluminum, and autos in place. The move, announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney after a call with U.S. President Donald Trump, aims to preserve tariff-free trade on 85% of cross-border goods and set the stage for next year’s CUSMA review.
Phase 1 Federal Plastics Registry Reporting 2025 Due Sept 29
Producers must submit plastics data by September 29, 2025, under Federal Plastics Registry Reporting 2025. This covers plastic packaging, electronics, and single-use products across Canada. Resources, guidance, and tools are available to support producers in meeting all reporting requirements accurately and on time.
U.S. Launches AD/CVD Investigations on Czech Republic and India Freight Couplers
The U.S. launched investigations into freight rail couplers imported from the Czech Republic and India to check for unfair pricing or subsidies. Imports after August 12, 2025, may face extra duties applied retroactively under specific tariff codes
CBP Deployed Final Section 321 $800 Aggregated Shipments Enhancement in ACE on August 12
On August 12, 2025, CBP deployed the final Section 321 enhancement in the ACE Production environment. ACE now automatically withholds de minimis shipments exceeding $800 per person, per day, ensuring compliance with Section 321 rules across all transportation modes except mail.
50% Section 232 Tariffs on 407 New Steel and Aluminum Derivatives Take Effect Aug. 18 – CBP Guidance Available
Effective August 18, 2025, Commerce will impose 50% Section 232 tariffs on 407 additional steel and aluminum derivative products with no exemptions for in-transit goods. CBP requires accurate Chapter 99 reporting and confirms that other duties and exclusions still apply.
U.S. Extends Pause on China Tariffs Another 90 Days to Nov. 10
The United States has extended its tariff pause on China-produced goods for 90 days, pushing the implementation date to November 10, 2025. The move, announced through an Executive Order on August 11, gives both nations more time to finalize a trade deal aimed at addressing non-reciprocal trade practices and U.S. national security concerns.
U.S. to Impose 35% Tariff on Canada Aug. 1 (Updated)
On July 31, 2025, President Trump raised Canadian tariffs from 25% to 35%, added a 40% duty on evasion attempts, kept USMCA and energy exemptions, and maintained retaliation rights. CBP will enforce and provide guidance; importers must ensure compliance.
U.S. Updates Reciprocal Tariffs to Address Trade Deficits and Security (Updated)
The U.S. updates reciprocal tariffs targeting trade imbalances and national security concerns. New rates, ranging from 10% to 41%, affect key trading partners, with measures to prevent tariff evasion and ensure compliance by importers.
U.S. Imposes Additional 40% Tariff on Brazilian Imports (Updated)
The U.S. will impose a 50% tariff on most Brazilian imports starting August 6, 2025. Exemptions include aircraft, orange juice, certain metals, and oil products. Goods shipped before August 6 and arriving before October 5 are also exempt.
Canada Imposes 25% Surtax on Steel and Aluminum with Chinese Content
Canada has introduced a 25% surtax on steel and aluminum goods containing Chinese-origin materials, effective July 31, 2025. Importers must provide strict proof of origin or face additional duties.
Guidance on U.S. Copper and Derivative Import Duties
Starting August 1, 2025, importers must report copper and non-copper content separately on invoices for copper products to comply with Section 232’s 50% duty on copper. Proper documentation is required to avoid delays and full-value duty assessments.
U.S. Copper Imports Subject to 50% Tariff – Effective Aug. 1
Starting August 1, 2025, the US imposes a 50% tariff on many copper imports to protect national security and support domestic production. Exemptions include copper feedstocks and scrap, with new supply mandates and strict compliance requirements for importers.
U.S. Tariff on Canadian Lumber Imports Now Over 30%
The U.S. Department of Commerce finalized its 2023 review of Canadian softwood lumber imports and raised anti-dumping duties to 20.56%. Total tariffs now exceed 30%, increasing costs for U.S. homebuilders and impacting trade.
U.S. and Indonesia Agree on Framework for Reciprocal Trade Agreement
The U.S. and Indonesia have agreed on a framework to negotiate a reciprocal trade agreement. This deal aims to reduce tariffs, remove trade barriers, and promote fair, sustainable trade, creating new opportunities and strengthening economic cooperation.
BIS 50% Rule: What Exporters Need to Know Now
The BIS 50% Rule requires exporters to check company ownership, not just names, during denied party screening. If a listed entity owns 50% or more of a business, that business is restricted. This rule increases compliance complexity, especially in sensitive tech sectors.
Guidance on Valuation of Goods Imported into Canada Not Matching Contracts
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) provides updated guidance on the valuation of goods imported into Canada that do not comply with contract terms. This includes rules for damaged, defective, replacement goods, overages, and shortages. Importers must follow customs valuation Canada and CBSA valuation guidelines to ensure accurate valuation for duty Canada. Proper compliance helps avoid penalties and supports correct duty payments on imported goods not in accordance with the contract.
CBP Launches Updated Forced Labor WROs and Findings Dashboard
CBP has launched an updated Forced Labor Dashboard to track Withhold Release Orders (WROs) and Findings from 1950 to the present. Users can easily view, filter, and download data by country, industry, and product. The dashboard provides real-time enforcement updates and links to official notices, helping businesses and officials monitor forced labor cases and stay compliant with CBP trade rules.
USTR Begins Section 301 Investigation into Brazil’s Trade Practices
The U.S. Trade Representative has initiated a Section 301 investigation into Brazil’s trade policies, focusing on unfair digital trade restrictions, preferential tariffs, intellectual property enforcement, ethanol tariffs, anti-corruption flaws, and illegal deforestation. Public comments are open through August 18, 2025, ahead of a scheduled hearing on September 3. Possible outcomes include tariffs or trade remedies to protect U.S. businesses affected by Brazil’s practices.
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