Trade Updates
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Updated Guidance on U.S. Import Duties for Steel, Aluminum, and Derivative Products
Updated guidance on steel and aluminum tariffs, effective March 12, 2025, detailing tariff classifications, duty rates, reporting requirements, and compliance measures under Section 232. Detailing specific Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes, quota regulations, foreign trade zone provisions, and enforcement expectations to ensure accurate reporting and adherence to trade regulations.
Comments Period Open on Investigations into Lumber/Timber Imports – Have Your Say
Commerce is seeking public input on its Section 232 investigations into copper and timber imports, with a comment period open until April 1, 2025. Stakeholders can submit their views, data, and analyses through the Federal rulemaking portal, addressing issues such as domestic production capacity, foreign supply chain risks, and potential trade policy measures. Have your say - details here.
Duty-Free Import Guide: U.S. Agricultural & Horticultural Equipment
This guide outlines how agricultural and horticultural equipment can qualify for duty-free import under U.S. Customs tariff codes 9817.00.50 and 9817.00.60. By meeting specific classification criteria and providing the necessary documentation, importers can ensure compliance and take advantage of cost-saving benefits for eligible machinery and equipment.
China’s Retaliatory Tariffs on Canadian Goods – Effective March 20, 2025
China has announced new tariffs on Canadian imports in response to Canada’s trade restrictions, imposing 100% tariffs on canola oil, oilseed meal, and peas, and 25% tariffs on seafood and pork effective March 20, 2025. This escalating trade war between China and Canada threatens key industries, impacting agriculture, seafood, and global supply chains.
U.S. Tariffs on Canada and Mexico Paused
The U.S. has paused tariffs on Canadian and Mexican USMCA-compliant goods, allowing time for further trade negotiations. The suspension affects key industries, including automotive manufacturing, while steel and aluminum tariffs are set to go ahead March 12. Full details here.
Guidance on Additional Tariffs – Canada, Mexico, and China, Steel and Aluminum Imports
We've provided detailed guidance on new tariffs effective March 4, 2025, covering imports from Canada, Mexico, and China. These include a 25% tariff on most goods, a 10% tariff on Canadian energy products, and an increase on Chinese imports from 10% to 20%. Steel and aluminum imports are subject to a 25% tariff, while Russian aluminum faces a 200% tariff. Limited exemptions apply under HTS provisions. Details here.
Important Update – New Tariffs (U.S. & Canada)
The U.S. imposed new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China starting March 4, 2025, with no exemptions. Canada responded with 25% tariffs on $30 billion in U.S. goods, with a possible second phase. These tariffs override USMCA benefits, and importers must reassess customs surety bonds to meet rising duty obligations.
U.S. Investigation into Lumber/Timber Imports Could Lead to Tariffs
The U.S. has launched a Section 232 investigation into the national security risks posed by timber and lumber imports, citing concerns over foreign dependence, supply chain vulnerabilities, and unfair trade practices. The probe, expected to conclude within 270 days, may lead to tariffs, export controls, or incentives to strengthen domestic wood production and safeguard economic stability.
U.S. Launches Investigation into Copper Imports
The U.S. has launched a Section 232 investigation into the national security risks of copper imports, citing concerns over foreign dependence, supply chain vulnerabilities, and economic stability. The probe could lead to tariffs, export controls, or incentives to strengthen domestic production, with findings expected within 270 days.
U.S. 25% Tariff on Canada and Mexico Imports In Effect March 4th
Trump’s executive order imposing a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports and a 10% levy on Canadian energy goes into effect March 4th, 2025. In response, Canada will follow through with applying its $155 billion retaliatory tariff package, escalating trade tensions across North America and raising concerns over economic disruptions, particularly in the manufacturing, energy, and agricultural sectors.
U.S. Delays De Minimis Removal for Canada and Mexico Tariffs
On March 2, the White House delayed the removal of de minimis treatment for Canadian and Mexican imports, keeping the tariff exemption in place until systems are ready to efficiently collect revenue.
New U.S. Trade Measures Target China’s Shipping and Logistics Policies
The U.S. is proposing new trade measures targeting China’s maritime and logistics policies, citing unfair competition and restrictions on U.S. commerce. Proposed actions include substantial fees on Chinese shipping operators, incentives for U.S.-built ships, and restrictions on China’s logistics platform, with public participation open until March 24.
U.S. Threatens Tariffs Over Digital Taxes and Unfair Foreign Regulations
The U.S. is taking a firm stance against unfair foreign regulations and digital taxes that disproportionately target American businesses, with the Trump administration threatening tariffs and other economic measures in response.
USTR Opens Comment Period on Reciprocal Tariffs
The U.S. Trade Representative is calling for public input to help identify and address non-reciprocal foreign trade policies—here’s how you can have your say before the March 11 deadline.
U.S. 25% Tariff on Canada and Mexico Imports In Effect March 4th
Trump’s executive order imposing a 25% tariff on Canadian imports and a 10% levy on energy was delayed until March 4 after Canada agreed to new border security measures. At a White House press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron on February 24, 2025, Trump confirmed, “The tariffs are moving forward as planned, on schedule.”
U.S. Announces Investigation to Impose Reciprocal Tariffs on Other Countries
On February 13, 2025, President Donald J. Trump initiated a comprehensive trade investigation to assess and counteract non-reciprocal trade practices, aiming to establish fair and balanced tariffs on foreign imports.
‘Chaotic moment’: How Trump threw a wrench in the gears of Canadian e-commerce
The sudden shift in trade policy has left businesses scrambling to adapt. “Calling it disruptive is an understatement,” said Mackenzie West, GHY's Director of Market Development, who was featured in this Financial Post article as companies rushed to reevaluate inventory, pricing, and supply chains. Behind the scenes, warehouses and logistics providers struggled to comply with the de minimis cancellation, delaying shipments and clogging fulfillment centers.
U.S. Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Imports In Effect March 12, 2025
The U.S. has reinstated and expanded tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, imposing a 25% duty on all shipments effective March 12, 2025. This move removes previous exemptions for key trading partners like Canada, Mexico, and the EU, prompting industry-wide concerns over rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and potential trade retaliation.
U.S. Delays Implementation of De Minimis Ban on Chinese E-Commerce
The U.S. has postponed the removal of duty-free treatment for low-value shipments from China, allowing more time to implement effective tariff collection. The delay aims to prevent supply chain disruptions while addressing enforcement challenges tied to synthetic opioid trafficking.
Processing De Minimis Shipments from China through ACE (CBP Guidance)
CBP has implemented new restrictions under President Trump’s Executive Order, curtailing de minimis-qualifying shipments from China and Hong Kong. Importers must now file formal or informal entries and pay all applicable duties, taxes, and fees, with CBP rejecting ineligible shipments.
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