Trade Updates
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U.S. and Jordan Sign New Reciprocal Trade Agreement
The U.S. and Jordan signed a new reciprocal trade agreement on July 21, 2026, building on the 2000 Free Trade Agreement, with new rules on forced labour, customs modernization, digital trade, and national security cooperation. Jordan has also committed to new US investments, including aircraft purchases and Hikma Pharmaceuticals' $1 billion investment.
U.S. Imposes 25% Section 301 Tariff on Certain Brazilian Goods (CBP Guidance Available)
USTR's 25% Section 301 tariff on Brazilian imports took effect July 22, 2026, with exemptions for Section 232 goods, civil aircraft, pharmaceuticals, donations, and informational materials. CBP's July 21 guidance details the applicable HTSUS headings, entry filing sequence, and transition rules for in-transit goods entered before July 29.
U.S. Adjusts Section 232 Metal Tariffs (New Aluminum Production Investment Incentive Program)
Effective April 6, 2026, Section 232 tariffs on aluminum, steel, and copper apply to the full customs value of imports. Rates include 50%, 25%, and 15% through 2027. On July 20, 2026, a new incentive program was established for investments in U.S. primary aluminum production facilities.
CBP to Deploy Entry Type 13 Test for U.S. Mail Processing in ACE
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is testing Entry Type 13 (ET13), a new ACE entry type for USPS international mail shipments, implementing two June 24, 2026 Federal Register notices on mail entry and de minimis suspension. Deployment runs from the CERT environment on July 24, 2026, to Production on September 22, 2026
U.S. CBP Tariff-Rate Quotas for 2026 (Updated)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced 2026 tariff rate quotas for various products, including food, agricultural, brooms, apparel, and preferential goods. The quota period runs from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026, and quotas include specific limits and minimum access quantities for certain countries.
CBSA Publishes July 2026 Trade Compliance Verification Priorities
CBSA released updated 2026 trade verification priorities as of July 2026, adding CPTPP short supply list verifications and the Steel Derivative Goods Surtax Order. Cheese treats for dogs verifications have been removed. Other priorities remain unchanged, covering supply-managed goods, surtax orders, trade agreement origin, and energy commodities.
U.S. Orders Section 232 Aerospace Trade Talks; No Immediate Tariffs
On July 9, 2026, President Trump signed a Section 232 proclamation directing the Commerce Secretary and U.S. Trade Representative to negotiate agreements with trading partners on imports of commercial aircraft, jet engines, and parts. No new tariffs were imposed, but the administration may act if no deal is reached within 180 days.
CBSA Announces Changes to U.S. Surtax Remission Order (Updated)
CBSA has amended Customs Notice 25-19, extending the import deadline for goods covered under sections 1, 2, and 3.1, and Schedule 1 to July 1, 2027. The update also adds Schedule 6 for eligible steel and aluminum goods, introduces special authorization code 25-0466T01, and expands the authorization codes used to file surtax remission claims.
CBSA Updates: Photovoltaic Expiry Review Concluded, Refined Sugar Expiry Review Initiated
CBSA concluded its expiry review of photovoltaic modules and laminates from China, finding that ending the existing order would likely continue dumping and subsidizing. Separately, it initiated an expiry review of refined sugar imports from multiple countries, with questionnaire responses due August 7, 2026.
China Imposes 73.5% Tariff on Canadian Pea Starch
China’s Ministry of Commerce issued a preliminary ruling on June 30, 2026, finding that Canadian pea starch imports were dumped and caused material injury to China’s domestic industry. A 73.5% cash deposit applies to all Canadian exporters starting July 1, 2026. The investigation began in August 2025 and continues, with a 10-day period for written comments to MOFCOM.
U.S. Declines to Renew CUSMA
USTR Ambassador Jamieson Greer confirmed the U.S. did not agree to renew USMCA in its current form during the Agreement's mandatory 2026 joint review. The decision prevents an automatic 16-year extension, but the trade pact remains in force while annual reviews and negotiations continue. Unless the three countries later agree to extend it, USMCA is scheduled to expire on July 1, 2036.
Section 301 Tariffs Are Here to Stay: Supreme Court Declines to Hear Appeal
The Supreme Court's June 15, 2026 denial of a Section 301 tariff appeal confirms these China import duties are here to stay. With litigation closed, importers should shift focus from refunds to managing duty exposure through accurate classification, valuation, and expanded CBP compliance reviews.
CBP to Enforce Accuracy of Importer of Record Information
CBP will begin enhanced enforcement of Importer of Record data on September 18, 2026. IORs and customs brokers must ensure Form 5106 information remains complete, accurate, and current. CBP may void IOR numbers with inaccurate or incomplete information and take additional enforcement action. Importers should review their Form 5106 details, including addresses, contact information, identification numbers, and broker Power of Attorney requirements before enforcement begins.
Trump Pauses Duties on Moroccan Phosphate Fertilizer Imports
President Trump declared an emergency on June 29, 2026 over threats to U.S. fertilizer supply and authorized a temporary suspension of certain anti-dumping and countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizer from Morocco. The relief runs for eight months or until the emergency ends, aiming to secure supply for American farmers.
U.S. Imposes New Section 232 Tariffs on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones) and Components
The U.S. will impose new Section 232 tariffs on drones and UAS components, including 100% duties on certain large drones, thermal-imaging UAS, docking stations, and critical components. A 25% tariff will apply to smaller qualifying UAS and other components, with lower rates available for qualifying imports from certain trading partners.
U.S. Applies a 25% Tariff on Imports of Autos and Parts (Duty Offset for Auto Parts and MHDV Parts)
On June 29, 2026, CBP issued updated guidance extending the Section 232 import adjustment offset to medium and heavy-duty vehicle (MHDV) parts. Here's what auto and MHDV importers need to know about eligibility, HTSUS codes, country-specific tariff treatment, and entry filing under Proclamations 10908 and 10984.
Trump Signs Order to Tighten U.S. Customs Enforcement (Process to Reactivate IORs Now Available)
President Trump's June 3, 2026 EO directs a comprehensive reform of U.S. customs enforcement, tightening importer eligibility, raising bonding requirements, and setting penalty floors. CBP has already started deactivating inactive IOR numbers in ACE, with a reactivation process now available.
U.S. and Uzbekistan Announce “Early Harvest” Trade Deal
The United States and Uzbekistan announced an early harvest trade package covering tariff reductions, investment cooperation, and accelerated talks toward a Reciprocal Trade and Investment Agreement. The commitments build on $32 billion in bilateral commercial deals announced in 2025 and will be formalized by both governments in the coming weeks.
GHY 125 Years Strong. Powered by People. Driven by Technology.
CEO & President Chris Bachinski delivers a heartfelt thank you to the clients, partners, and associates who have shaped 125 years of GHY - marking a milestone built on one constant: taking care of clients and people. He reflects with gratitude on four generations of service and looks ahead with purpose. 125 Years Strong. Powered by People. Driven by Technology.
CBSA Announces New Aluminum Import Reporting Requirements
CBSA Customs Notice 26-15 introduces new aluminum import reporting requirements under GIP 83. Importers must submit country of largest smelt, country of second-largest smelt if applicable, and country of most recent cast information through SWI IID. Mandatory reporting begins October 1, 2026. Until then, it's optional.
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