Trade Updates
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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.
GHY International Named One of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for 17th Year
We are proud to announce that once again, GHY has been announced a winner of Canada's Best Managed Companies, retaining its Platinum Club status for the 11th consecutive year, maintaining its status as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies for the past 17 years. Full details here.
CBP Guidance: When to File Separate Informal Entries for One Consignee
CBP has clarified when separate informal entries may be filed for shipments consigned to a single consignee. The guidance outlines exceptions to the general rule requiring one entry per conveyance and explains when multiple informal entries may be used under specific regulatory conditions.
Tariff Relief Tied to U.S. Auto Assembly Under Section 232
Under the amended Section 232 policy, automakers that assemble and sell vehicles in the U.S. can earn tariff credits to offset the cost of imported auto parts—part of the Trump administration’s strategy to reduce foreign dependence and strengthen national security.
CBP Clarifies Reciprocal Tariff In-Transit Exemption: Ocean Vessels Only
CBP has confirmed that only ocean vessel shipments qualify for the in-transit exemption from new reciprocal tariffs. Importers who incorrectly used the exemption code for non-vessel shipments must take immediate corrective action.
Executive Order Issued to Prevent Tariff Stacking on U.S. Imports
Trump’s latest Executive Order aims to eliminate overlapping tariffs from stacking on the same goods, aiming to simplify U.S. trade enforcement while preserving national security duties.
Public Comments Requested: Help Shape U.S. National Security Truck Import Policy
The Department of Commerce invites businesses, organizations, and individuals to submit feedback on the Section 232 national security review of truck imports. Make sure your voice is part of the conversation—submit your comments by May 16, 2025, via regulations.gov (Docket ID BIS-2025-0024).
USA Trade Advisory: Accurate Customs Invoices Are More Important Than Ever
With tighter enforcement from CBP and looming changes to de minimis thresholds, now is the time to audit your customs documentation for accuracy and compliance. This guide breaks down what you need to review—and how GHY can help you stay ahead of costly penalties.
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