USTR Opens Comment Period on Reciprocal Tariffs

Trade Update • Feb 26, 2025

n February 25, 2025, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced a public call for comments to identify and review unfair and non-reciprocal foreign trade practices. This initiative aligns with the directives outlined in the America First Trade Policy Presidential Memorandum and the Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs Presidential Memorandum.

Read More: Key Details on U.S. Tariffs & Canada’s Retaliatory Tariffs.

Note: GHY will continue to provide updates as they come – with expected further details to be released by the USA in the Federal Register and Canada’s International Trade and Finance Policy.

USTR’s Focus

The USTR is particularly focused on major trading partners, especially G20 nations and countries with significant trade deficits in goods with the United States. These countries include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam. Collectively, these nations account for 88% of total goods trade with the United States.

Interested parties are encouraged to submit detailed information on a country-by-country basis, highlighting specific practices or trade arrangements that are considered unfair or non-reciprocal. Submissions should include:

• A description of the practice or trade arrangement.
• An explanation of its impact on the submitter or U.S. interests.
• Quantifiable data on the harm caused, preferably with specific dollar amounts.

Submissions/Comments

The deadline for submissions is March 11, 2025. Comments can be submitted through the USTR’s online portal under docket number USTR-2025-0001. While submissions will be publicly accessible, contributors may designate certain information as business confidential, ensuring its protection if appropriately marked and certified.

This solicitation represents the first formal opportunity under the current administration for stakeholders to provide input on unfair and non-reciprocal foreign trade practices. The USTR emphasizes that this is not the sole occasion for engagement and welcomes ongoing dialogue with interested parties.

For further details and to access the Federal Register notice, please visit the USTR’s official website.

How GHY Can Help?

GHY specializes in helping businesses navigate and reduce the impacts of tariffs through strategic solutions tailored to their needs. Our experts can audit your supply chain to identify inefficiencies, uncover cost-saving opportunities, and ensure compliance with evolving trade regulations. We also employ tariff engineering techniques to optimize product classification and sourcing strategies, minimizing duty exposure and maximizing profitability.

By partnering with GHY, your business gains access to the tools and expertise needed to streamline operations and stay competitive in a challenging trade environment.

Contact Us Today! gts@ghy.com, or call +1 (800) 667-0771.