Trade Updates
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U.S. Copper Imports Subject to 50% Tariff – Effective Aug. 1
Starting August 1, 2025, the US imposes a 50% tariff on many copper imports to protect national security and support domestic production. Exemptions include copper feedstocks and scrap, with new supply mandates and strict compliance requirements for importers.
U.S. Tariff on Canadian Lumber Imports Now Over 30%
The U.S. Department of Commerce finalized its 2023 review of Canadian softwood lumber imports and raised anti-dumping duties to 20.56%. Total tariffs now exceed 30%, increasing costs for U.S. homebuilders and impacting trade.
U.S. and Indonesia Agree on Framework for Reciprocal Trade Agreement
The U.S. and Indonesia have agreed on a framework to negotiate a reciprocal trade agreement. This deal aims to reduce tariffs, remove trade barriers, and promote fair, sustainable trade, creating new opportunities and strengthening economic cooperation.
BIS 50% Rule: What Exporters Need to Know Now
The BIS 50% Rule requires exporters to check company ownership, not just names, during denied party screening. If a listed entity owns 50% or more of a business, that business is restricted. This rule increases compliance complexity, especially in sensitive tech sectors.
Guidance on Valuation of Goods Imported into Canada Not Matching Contracts
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) provides updated guidance on the valuation of goods imported into Canada that do not comply with contract terms. This includes rules for damaged, defective, replacement goods, overages, and shortages. Importers must follow customs valuation Canada and CBSA valuation guidelines to ensure accurate valuation for duty Canada. Proper compliance helps avoid penalties and supports correct duty payments on imported goods not in accordance with the contract.
CBP Launches Updated Forced Labor WROs and Findings Dashboard
CBP has launched an updated Forced Labor Dashboard to track Withhold Release Orders (WROs) and Findings from 1950 to the present. Users can easily view, filter, and download data by country, industry, and product. The dashboard provides real-time enforcement updates and links to official notices, helping businesses and officials monitor forced labor cases and stay compliant with CBP trade rules.
USTR Begins Section 301 Investigation into Brazil’s Trade Practices
The U.S. Trade Representative has initiated a Section 301 investigation into Brazil’s trade policies, focusing on unfair digital trade restrictions, preferential tariffs, intellectual property enforcement, ethanol tariffs, anti-corruption flaws, and illegal deforestation. Public comments are open through August 18, 2025, ahead of a scheduled hearing on September 3. Possible outcomes include tariffs or trade remedies to protect U.S. businesses affected by Brazil’s practices.
CBP Guidance for Applying Section 232 Tariffs on USMCA Vehicles and Light Trucks
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued guidance on Section 232 tariffs, applying a 25% duty on the non-U.S. content of USMCA-qualified passenger vehicles and light trucks. Effective April 3, 2025, importers need Secretary of Commerce approval and must file entry values on two lines under HTSUS codes 9903.94.03 and 9903.94.02. Additional duties like antidumping still apply.
Trump Sends Tariff Warning Letters to 14 Nations, Rates Up to 40%
President Donald Trump sent U.S. tariff letters to 14 countries, warning of tariffs between 25% and 40% unless new trade agreements are reached by August 1, 2025. These tariffs aim to encourage fair trade and protect U.S. businesses. Countries impacted include Laos, Myanmar, Japan, and others. A similar letter imposing a 35% tariff was also sent to Canada. The administration warns tariffs could increase if negotiations fail.
CBSA Expands CARM RPP Contingency Plan to Cover All Goods in Sufferance Warehouses
The CBSA expands CARM RPP Contingency Plan to all goods in sufferance warehouses from July 10 to August 9, 2025, easing import delays during transition.
PGA Filing Exemption Ends for Some De Minimis FDA Products – Effective July 9
Several FDA-regulated products previously exempt from filing under the $800 de minimis threshold must now be reported to the FDA, effective immediately, CBP announced July 9. The change ends long-standing exemptions for items like cosmetics, food, and radiation-emitting devices, requiring full PGA data submission—even under Entry Type 86.
CBSA’s 2025 (July) Trade Verification Priorities
Will the updated July 2025 CBSA Trade Verification Priorities affect your business? What should you do if you've imported targeted goods? Find out the answers to these, and all the details you need to know here.
U.S. Delays Implementation of Higher Reciprocal Tariff Rates to August 1
The U.S. has postponed the effective date of higher reciprocal tariff rates from July 9 to August 1, 2025, citing ongoing discussions with trading partners and new recommendations from senior officials. The delay applies to a wide range of HTSUS provisions but does not affect the separate suspension of 145% tariff rates on China, which remains in place. The move extends the current 10% ad valorem rate and gives trading partners additional time to align with U.S. economic and national security priorities.
U.S. Commerce Announces New Process for Auto Parts Tariff Requests
The U.S. Department of Commerce has introduced a new process that lets U.S. auto parts manufacturers request the inclusion of more imported parts under the 25% Section 232 tariffs. Starting July 1, 2025, requests can be submitted during four designated windows each year. Submissions must include part details, trade data, and national security impact. Valid requests will undergo public comment and review. Approved items will be added to the tariff list, with enforcement by Commerce and Customs authorities.
50% Surtax on Certain Steel Imports into Canada Effective June 27, 2025 (Updated)
Guidance now available - covers tariff-rate quotas, including detailed information on the purpose, coverage, quota volumes, duration, and method of administration. Effective June 27, 2025, the Government of Canada has imposed a 50% surtax on certain steel imports in response to unfair trade practices and global overcapacity. This punitive measure applies to designated steel products originating from specific countries identified as contributing to market distortions. Importers should review affected tariff classifications and prepare for immediate cost implications on impacted shipments.
50% Tariffs on Steel, Aluminum and Derivatives U.S. Imports Effective June 4, 2025 (Reminder)
A reminder that Chapter 73 and 76 can now be broken out. Effective June 4, 2025, the United States will double Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports—from 25% to 50%—under a new presidential proclamation. While the U.K. will retain the 25% rate through July 9, the Commerce Secretary may later impose quotas or increase duties if the U.K. fails to meet its commitments under the U.S.-U.K. Economic Prosperity Deal. The updated guidance also introduces content-based duty assessments, new Chapter 99 HTS codes, and a revised stacking order to prioritize Section 232 enforcement over IEEPA tariffs.
U.S. Launches AD/CVD Investigations on Hardwood and Plywood from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam
On June 11, 2025, the U.S. launched antidumping and countervailing duty investigations into hardwood and decorative plywood imports from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The cases target most plywood products—excluding structural plywood and furniture—amid claims of unfair pricing and subsidies. With subsidy rates above legal thresholds, duties are likely, and importers should prepare for possible retroactive costs on shipments after June 11.
CBP Guidance on US-UK and Northern Ireland Economic Prosperity Deal
Effective June 30, 2025, the U.S. began implementing tariff changes under the new U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity Deal. Key provisions include a tariff-rate quota on UK-made automobiles, a preferential 10% duty rate for eligible UK auto parts, and duty exemptions for certain civil aircraft products. Importers and brokers should closely follow new HTSUS classifications, entry procedures, and filing instructions outlined in CBP guidance and Quota Bulletin QB 25-508.
Canada’s Export Control List Guide Available and Updated
The May 2025 edition of A Guide to Canada's Export Control List introduces new controls on emerging technologies including quantum computing, advanced semiconductors, and military sub-orbital craft, while removing select items such as certain unmanned submersible vehicles. Exporters in high-tech and defense sectors should review the changes closely. A full list of tracked amendments is available by request from the Export Controls Policy Division.
USDA Finalizes July 15 Enforcement Date for Organic Importer Certification Requirement
Beginning July 15, 2025, all importers of organic products into the U.S.—including those located in Canada—must be certified under USDA organic regulations by a USDA-accredited certifier. Under the USDA’s Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule, COR-certified businesses acting as U.S. importers of record will no longer be permitted to rely solely on their Canadian certification. This marks the end of a temporary allowance granted after SOE implementation in March 2024.
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