Trade Updates
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U.S. Adjusts Section 232 Tariffs on Aluminum, Steel, and Copper (New Proclamation Further Adjusting Tariff Regimes; CBP Guidance Available)
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. A June 1 proclamation adjusts Annex I-C rates, expands coverage, and lowers thresholds. CBP guidance provides updated HTS classifications and reporting rules effective June 8, 2026.
Canada Announces New Measures to Protect Steel and Lumber Industries (Updated)
Canada has introduced measures to support its steel and lumber industries, including a 25% tariff on certain steel products, reduced freight rates, and financial aid. On December 12, 2025, steel TRQs under item 82 were updated. On June 3, 2026, key steel and aluminum tariff measures were extended to June 2027.
Trump Signs Order to Tighten U.S. Customs Enforcement
President Trump signed an executive order tightening U.S. customs enforcement, barring foreign importers from informal entry, raising bonding requirements, and expanding supply chain disclosures. The order sets a 50% minimum penalty floor, eliminates mitigation for repeat offenders, and directs DHS and DOJ to prioritize forced labor and transshipment violations.
USTR Finds Brazil Trade Practices Actionable Under Section 301
USTR has determined that several Brazilian trade practices are actionable under Section 301, including digital trade restrictions, tariff policies, intellectual property enforcement gaps, ethanol market access issues, and deforestation concerns. The agency has proposed responsive action and is accepting public comments ahead of final decisions in July 2026.
USTR Updates: U.S.–China Trade Board & Forced-Labor Goods Tariffs
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is requesting public comments on a proposed U.S.-China Board of Trade to manage reciprocal tariff adjustments on non-sensitive goods. Separately, it has proposed Section 301 duties on 60 economies linked to forced labor concerns, with rates of 10% to 12.5% and key exemptions under review.
U.S. Launches Section 301 Investigation into Vietnam’s IP Practices
The USTR has launched a Section 301 investigation into Vietnam over concerns about intellectual property protection and enforcement. The action follows Vietnam’s designation in the 2026 Special 301 Report. Officials say ongoing enforcement gaps affect U.S. businesses, with potential trade responses after the investigation concludes.
Register for CBP Webinars on Trade Violation Reporting (June Registration Now Open)
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will host FY 2026 TRLED webinars on trade violation reporting. Sessions cover the Trade Violations Reporting tool and EAPA allegation filings. Due to a partial DHS shutdown, the March 31 and April 2 webinars are canceled. Meanwhile, registration is now open for June webinars.
U.S. Modifies Section 232 Tariffs on Auto Parts, Aircraft Components, and Wood Products of Taiwan
Section 232 tariff modifications for Taiwan adjust duties on auto parts, civil aircraft components, and wood products effective May 1, 2026. CBP guidance introduces new HTSUS classifications, self-certification options, exemptions, and retroactive relief through PSC filings. Changes impact duty rates, reporting requirements, and eligibility for drawback preferential treatment under agreements.
CBP Launches CAPE for IEEPA Duty Refunds (Updated)
CBP launched phase 1 of CAPE April 20, 2026, allowing importers and authorized brokers to file IEEPA duty refund claims electronically and consolidating processing for eligible entries, including unliquidated entries and those within 80 days of liquidation. First payments will begin as early as May 12. In line with this, CBP shared best practices to avoid refund scams.
GHY Named One of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for 18th 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 12th consecutive year, maintaining its status as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies for the past 18 years. Full details here.
New EU Phytosanitary Requirements for Oak and Chestnut Wood Exports (Updated)
EU phytosanitary requirements for oak and chestnut wood from Canada and the United States require bark-free material and heat treatment at 56°C for 30 minutes. These rules apply starting October 15, 2026 and affect logs, lumber, and related solid wood exports under new EU plant health measures and compliance standards.
Reminder: Canada’s 2025 MERV End-of-Model-Year Reports Due June 1, 2026
Canada reminds importers of MERV reporting requirements for marine engines, vessels, and off-road recreational vehicles. Importation Declarations are required before entry, and End-of-Model-Year reports are due by June 1, with reporting requirements varying based on import volume and compliance obligations under the regulations.
Auto Parts Self-Certification: What Importers Need to Know
Auto parts self-certification allows importers to declare certain goods under Section 232 automotive tariff rules when products may be used in vehicle manufacturing or repair. Learn HTSUS classifications, eligibility conditions, and how USMCA provisions can help offset duties for qualifying imports under current CBP guidance.
Non-Metal HTS Added to Section 232 Metals Trade Remedy Program
The U.S. Department of Commerce introduced HTSUS 9903.82.01 for products that contain no aluminum, steel, or copper under the Section 232 trade remedy program. The update applies retroactively to April 6, 2026, and may require importers to amend entries previously filed under exemption 9903.82.03 for qualifying non-metal goods.
Section 232 Tariff Adjustment for Steel and Aluminum Producers Under Proclamation 10984 (Updated)
The U.S. Department of Commerce issued procedures under Proclamation 10984 allowing eligible steel and aluminum producers in Canada and Mexico to apply for tariff reductions. The program covers imports used in automobiles, trucks, buses, and related parts. CBP guidance clarifies entry reporting procedures for approved USMCA-qualifying MHDVs.
Canada Restricts Certain U.S. Swine Imports After Pseudorabies Outbreaks
Canada introduced temporary restrictions on certain U.S. swine imports after pseudorabies cases were confirmed in Iowa and Texas. The USDA suspended export certification for raw inedible swine by-products, untreated swine blood products, and raw swine manure. Edible pork products and pork-based pet food remain eligible for import.
Canada Announces $1.5B Support for Steel, Aluminum, and Copper Sectors
Canada introduces a $1.5 billion support package for tariff-affected industries, including a $1 billion BDC financing program and $500 million for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative. The funding supports businesses in steel, aluminum, and copper sectors through liquidity support, productivity improvements, and market diversification.
Canada and Mercosur to Sign a Free Trade Deal this Year
Canada and Mercosur are working toward a free trade agreement that could be signed by year-end after eight years of negotiations. The deal aims to expand market access, with potential tariff reductions of up to 35% across key export sectors, including machinery, chemicals, and forestry. The deal seeks to build stronger trade ties with South America.
CBSA to Repeal Memorandum D10-2-3
As relayed by the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers, CBSA identified Memorandum D10-2-3 for repeal as part of its trade memorandum review. The policy covers raw sugar tariff classification, sampling, and testing. CBSA said the information is no longer valid, has low usage rates, and no longer represents a policy issue.
Canada Updates Zoosanitary Certificates for Pet Food Imports from Mexico
CFIA updates zoosanitary certification rules for pet food imports from Mexico, introducing two certificates based on product type. Processed pet food and simple pet chews follow separate requirements. A transition period runs until August 22, 2026, while existing rules remain for select products and trans-shipment imports.
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