Trade Updates
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Recover Your Surtax
Canada has issued the United States Surtax Remission Order (2025) to provide targeted relief from 25% surtaxes on U.S. goods used in health care, public safety, manufacturing, and essential supply chains. The Order includes a detailed schedule of eligible products and applies to imports made before October 16, 2025.
Processing De Minimis Shipments from China through ACE (Updated CBP Guidance)
Effective May 2, 2025, goods from China and Hong Kong are no longer eligible for the de minimis exemption and must be formally entered in ACE using Type 11 or Type 01. CBP will reject de minimis and ET86 entries for covered shipments, with detailed processing guidance issued for air, truck, and international mail modes.
U.S. Surtax Remission Order – Critical Imports
Canada has issued the United States Surtax Remission Order (2025) to provide targeted relief from 25% surtaxes on U.S. goods used in health care, public safety, manufacturing, and essential supply chains. The Order includes a detailed schedule of eligible products and applies to imports made before October 16, 2025.
U.S. Surtax Remission Order – Motor Vehicles 2025
Canada has introduced a new Remission Order to ease the impact of the 25% surtax on U.S.-origin motor vehicles, offering targeted relief to eligible importers. The measure applies to commercial imports made between April 9, 2025, and April 8, 2026, under strict eligibility and documentation requirements.
U.S. Counters China’s Shipbuilding Dominance with Section 301 Action
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.
Canada’s Remission Process on Surtaxes (Updated)
On April 15, 2025, Canada introduced new support measures for businesses affected by U.S. tariffs, including a performance-based remission for automakers, a six-month temporary tariff relief for critical U.S. imports, and a loan facility to help large enterprises maintain operations and jobs. See section U.S. Tariff Dispute Support for full details.
CBP Guidance on Reciprocal Tariff Effective April 5 and April 9, 2025 (Updated)
CBP has issued updated guidance implementing reciprocal tariffs, requiring additional duties on most imported goods beginning April 5, 2025, with country-specific rates effective April 9, 2025, while excluding products properly classified under specified HTSUS provisions (e.g., 8471 - 8542) if importers report secondary classification 9903.01.32 and update entries within 10 days of release to claim exemption under Executive Order 14257, as amended.
China Imposes Sweeping 125% (up from 84%) Tariff on U.S. Imports
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.
U.S. De Minimis Exemption Ends for China Low-Value Imports – Tariff Increases (Postal Items)
Effective May 2, 2025, the U.S. will end de minimis duty-free treatment for imports from China and Hong Kong, requiring formal or informal entry for all shipments—including those by mail—and imposing a 120% ad valorem tariff or, for postal items, a per-item duty of $100 (rising to $200 on June 1); no duty drawback is available on the tariff. Carriers must report shipment details to CBP, maintain international bonds, and remit duties on schedule, with CBP authorized to enforce compliance and require formal entry for any package.
U.S. Enforces on China 125% Reciprocal Tariff
Effective April 10, 2025, U.S. imports from China and Hong Kong will face a 125% reciprocal tariff, up from 84% on April 9. This is in addition to the 20% IEEPA Fentanyl Tariff imposed on March 4 (previously 10% on February 4).
U.S. Reciprocal Tariffs in Effect April 5, Increased Tariffs April 9 (Paused, 10% Remains)
Effective April 10, 2025, a 10% ad valorem tariff applies to imports from all countries except China, Hong Kong, and Macau, with exceptions listed in CSMS #64680374. This measure falls under a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs (see Annex I).
Canada Responds with Tariff on U.S. Automobile Imports, Effective April 9
Effective April 9, 2025, Canada is imposing 25% tariffs on non-CUSMA-compliant U.S.-made vehicles and on the non-Canadian, non-Mexican content of CUSMA-compliant ones. The move targets the U.S. auto sector and redirects tariff revenue to support Canadian auto workers. A full listing of affected vehicle products has been provided.
U.S. Reciprocal Tariffs in Effect April 5, Increased Tariffs April 9
The US announced a new reciprocal tariff regime on April 2, 2025. Beginning April 5, 2025. Reciprocal tariffs duty rates vary country by country, with a 10% baseline applied broadly, and higher country-specific rates taking effect on April 9, 2025. Details, exemptions, and implementation measures are outlined.
U.S. Duties on Steel and Aluminum Derivatives – Key Reporting and Compliance Updates [Updated]
Guidance on complying with Section 232 duties for steel and aluminum derivative products, including a Derivatives Worksheet and additional resources, such as CBP’s Section 232 FAQs (updated), for further clarification on duty assessments and reporting obligations. Note: There has been an update to reporting guidance on the country of smelt and cast if unknown.
Imposing U.S. Tariffs on Countries Importing Venezuelan Oil: A New Executive Order
The newly issued executive order imposes a 25% tariff on imports from any country purchasing Venezuelan oil, either directly or indirectly, as part of a broader strategy to pressure the Maduro regime and curb transnational crime. This policy, effective April 2, 2025, aims to reinforce existing sanctions while addressing national security concerns linked to Venezuela’s alleged support for illicit activities.
Canada Opens Public Consultations on Steel Trade Measures – Have Your Say
The Government of Canada is seeking public input on potential trade measures to protect the domestic steel industry from diverted imports triggered by recent U.S. trade actions. Have your say by submitting feedback before April 21, 2025, to help shape a fair and competitive market.
China Surtax Remission Order (Updated)
The CBSA has updated Customs Notice 25-05 to reflect amendments regarding compliance with the China Surtax Remission Order (2024).
Understanding Canada’s 25% Surtax on U.S. Steel and Aluminum
Understanding Canada’s surtax regulations can be complex, especially regarding exemptions under Chapters 98 and 99 of Canada’s Customs Tariff. We provide clarity on these regulations, ensuring importers navigate the 25% surtax on U.S.-origin steel, aluminum, and select goods effective March 13, 2025, while reviewing tariff classifications and customs surety requirements to maintain compliance and avoid shipment delays.
AD/CVD on Aluminum Containers from China and Molded Fiber Products from Vietnam
Commerce has finalized antidumping duties on disposable aluminum containers from China and countervailing duties on thermoformed molded fiber products from Vietnam, citing unfair trade practices. The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) will now determine if these imports have materially harmed domestic industries, with final duties to be enforced if an affirmative ruling is issued.
Canada’s 25% Tariff on U.S. Imports In Effect March 13
Canada is imposing $30 billion in retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, starting March 13, 2025. Phase one includes a 25% tariff on $30 billion in imports, with a second $125 billion phase pending public comments until March 25. These tariffs override USMCA duty-free benefits, and importers must ensure sufficient customs surety bonds to avoid shipment delays. Full list of U.S. goods/imports affected are detailed.
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