2025 Trump Tariffs: What Importers Must Know

What Importers Need to Know

As the import and regulatory landscape continues to evolve with new executive orders, the information below is subject to change and may not always be current. For the latest updates, we recommend scheduling a trade consultation with our offices.

In a significant shift in U.S. trade policy, the Trump administration has threatened and/or imposed new tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China. (Mexico and Canada tariffs have been delayed as of 3/6/25.) On 2/26/25, Trump indicated that tariffs on Canada & Mexico as well as “reciprocal tariffs” would all come into effect on 4/2/25. On 3/4/25, Chinese IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) tariffs were increased to 20%, in addition to existing Section 301 duties. More recently a blanket worldwide 10% “reciprocal” tariff has been imposed with a 90 day pause on individual country specific tariff rates.

As a leading provider of customs clearance services, New York Customs Brokers Inc. is closely monitoring these developments to help importers navigate the evolving regulatory landscape.

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Key Tariff Changes

• Mexico & Canada: A blanket 25% tariff is now in effect on most goods as of April 5, 2025. However, some product exclusions apply:
  • Canadian energy products remain subject to a 10% tariff.
  • Certain USMCA-qualifying goods and potash products are excluded per CSMS #64336037 and #64335789.
• China:
  • Effective April 10, 2025, reciprocal tariffs on most Chinese goods increased to 125%, per CSMS #64701128.
  • These duties are in addition to Section 301 tariffs and IEEPA-related measures imposed in March.
  • Low-value imports from China may be subject to modified duty rates as of April 5, 2025, per executive orders and Federal Register notices.
• Reciprocal Tariffs:
  • A series of reciprocal tariff actions were implemented between April 5–10, 2025, affecting goods from multiple trading partners.
  • The stated purpose is to counter persistent U.S. trade deficits and retaliatory tariffs imposed by partner nations.
  • For now, these country specific tariffs have been postponed while a “blanket” 10% for all worldwide imports has already taken effect
• Security Rationale: These actions are framed under national security concerns, including border enforcement and counter-narcotics policy targeting synthetic opioid imports from China.

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Impact on Importers & Customs Compliance

1. Increased Import Costs
   Importers will face significantly higher costs, particularly those sourcing goods from Mexico and Canada. Companies must re-evaluate their supply chains and factor in these increased costs when pricing their products.
2. Potential Supply Chain Delays
   With new tariffs in place, customs processing times may increase as compliance measures tighten. Importers should anticipate longer clearance times and consider working with an experienced customs broker to streamline entry procedures.
3. Tariff Exemptions & Strategies
   Some product categories may qualify for exemptions or tariff engineering strategies (e.g., shifting final assembly locations or reclassifying goods under different HTS codes). Our team at New York Customs Brokers Inc. can assist in identifying potential savings.
4. Retaliatory Tariffs & Trade Uncertainty
   Canada has already announced retaliatory tariffs, and Mexico is expected to follow suit. Importers should monitor trade negotiations and adjust procurement strategies accordingly to mitigate risks.

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What Steps Should Importers Take?

• Conduct a Tariff Impact Analysis: Evaluate how the new tariffs will affect your landed costs.
• Explore Alternative Sourcing Options: Consider diversifying suppliers or shifting production where feasible.
• Work with a Licensed Customs Broker: Navigating compliance requirements is now more complex than ever. New York Customs Brokers Inc. can help ensure proper classification, duty mitigation strategies, and expedited clearance.
• Stay Informed: Trade policies are evolving quickly. Subscribe to our updates to receive the latest customs and tariff news.

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Important Links with Additional Information:

• Executive Orders – White House Presidential Actions
  • White House: President Donald J. Trump Imposes Tariffs on Imports from Canada, Mexico and China
  • White House: Imposing Duties to Address the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China
  • White House: Regulating Imports with a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade Practices that Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits
  • White House: Further Amendment to Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China as Applied to Low-Value Imports
  • White House: AMENDMENT TO RECIPROCAL TARIFFS AND UPDATED DUTIES AS APPLIED TO LOW-VALUE IMPORTS FROM THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
  • White House: MODIFYING RECIPROCAL TARIFF RATES TO REFLECT TRADING PARTNER RETALIATION AND ALIGNMENT
    
• CSMS Messages – Cargo Systems Messaging Service
  • Worldwide
    • Blanket Tariffs
      • CSMS # 64649265 – GUIDANCE – Reciprocal Tariffs, April 5, 2025 Effective Date
      • CSMS # 64680374 – GUIDANCE – Reciprocal Tariffs, April 5 and April 9, 2025, Effective Dates
      • CSMS # 64701128 – UPDATED GUIDANCE – Reciprocal Tariffs – Increase in Rate for China and Reversion of Other Country-Specific Rates, Effective April 10, 2025
      • CSMS # 64724565 – UPDATED GUIDANCE – Reciprocal Tariff Exclusion for Specified Products; April 5, 2025 Effective Date
    • Steel
      • CSMS # 64348411 – GUIDANCE: Import Duties on Imports of Steel and Steel Derivative Products
      • CSMS # 64384423 – UPDATED GUIDANCE: Import Duties on Imports of Steel and Steel Derivative Products
    • Aluminum
      • CSMS # 64348288 – GUIDANCE: Import Duties on Imports of Aluminum and Aluminum Derivative Products
      • CSMS # 64384496 – UPDATED GUIDANCE: Import Duties on Imports of Aluminum and Aluminum Derivative Products
  • China
    • CSMS # 63988468 – GUIDANCE: Additional Duties on Imports from China (published 2/3/25)
    • CSMS # 64299816 – UPDATE – Additional Duties on Imports from China and Hong Kong (published 3/3/25)
    • CSMS # 64680374 – GUIDANCE – Reciprocal Tariffs, April 5 and April 9, 2025, Effective Dates
    • CSMS # 64687696 – UPDATED GUIDANCE – Reciprocal Tariffs on Goods of China, April 9, 2025, Effective Date
    • CSMS # 64701128 – UPDATED GUIDANCE – Reciprocal Tariffs – Increase in Rate for China and Reversion of Other Country-Specific Rates, Effective April 10, 2025
  • Canada
    • CSMS # 64297449 – GUIDANCE: Additional Duties on Imports from Canada (published 3/3/25)
    • CSMS # 64336037 – GUIDANCE – Update on Additional Duties on Imports from Canada – USMCA Qualifying Products and Potash
  • Mexico
    • CSMS # 64297292 – GUIDANCE: Additional Duties on Imports from Mexico (published 3/3/25)
    • CSMS # 64335789 – GUIDANCE – Update on Additional Duties on Imports from Mexico – USMCA Qualifying Products and Potash
      
• Federal Register Notices – Federal Register: The Daily Journal of the United States Government
  • Worldwide
    • Regulating Imports With a Reciprocal Tariff To Rectify Trade Practices That Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits
    • Modifying Reciprocal Tariff Rates To Reflect Trading Partner Retaliation and Alignment
  • China
    • Implementation of Additional Duties on Products of the People’s Republic of China Pursuant to the President’s February 1, 2025 Executive Order Imposing Duties To Address the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China
    • Amended Notice of Implementation of Additional Duties on Products of the People’s Republic of China Pursuant to the President’s February 1, 2025 Executive Order Imposing Duties To Address the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China
    • Further Amended Notice of Implementation of Additional Duties on Products of the People’s Republic of China Pursuant to the President’s Executive Order 14195, Imposing Duties To Address the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China
    • Amendment to Reciprocal Tariffs and Updated Duties as Applied to Low-Value Imports From the People’s Republic of China
      
• News Articles
  • NY Times: This Is How Much the U.S. Imports From China, Canada and Mexico (Gifted Article)
  • NY Times: Trump Tariffs Threaten to Upend Global Economic Order (Gifted Article)
  • Reuters: Trump pauses tariffs on Mexico and Canada, but not China (published 2/3/25)
  • Politico: Trump creates more confusion on tariffs (published 2/26/25)
  • NY Times: A Timeline of Trump’s On-Again, Off-Again Tariffs (Gifted Article)

On February 2, 2025   /   Uncategorized   /   Leave a comment