How To Benefit From Free Trade Agreements

jlamadeleine • March 14, 2016

Opportunities for importers & exporters

Did you know that there are currently 14 free trade agreements in effect in the United States? Companies that know how to navigate the intricacies of the Customs regulations are saving millions of dollars affording them a financial advantage. Many of us have heard of the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, but there are many other countries that are involved in free trade agreements with the United States in addition to Canada and Mexico. Some of these other countries include; Australia, Korea, Singapore and Chile, just to name a few. Are you participating in trade with a country that has special privileges? Distinct expertise is required to analyze products in determining if they meet the criteria necessary to qualify for free trade. These determination factors include; regional value content analysis, tariff shifts determination and classification review of products according to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the US. These are very confusing to understand and the evaluation is only the first step. Upon the completion of the appropriate analysis and the determination of eligibility, properly completed support documentation is required to benefit from the agreements while remaining in compliance and to ensure the avoidance of penalties. ITM works with a variety of U.S. companies that are importers and/or exporters of a wide range of products that qualify under a variety of free trade agreements. Do you import and export from a foreign country that may be involved in a free trade agreement with the U.S? Contact us today for a free no obligation review of your circumstances to see if you can save money while ensuring compliancy.

Our-Team-Is-Ready-To-Run-The-Numbers-For-You
How To Benefit From Free Trade
How To Benefit From Free Trade Agreements

Get actionable advice on cost-saving strategies that boost your bottom line.

Subscribe here:


The Supreme Court will soon decide whether IEEPA tariffs are legal
By Jill LaMadeleine January 27, 2026
Supreme Court will soon rule on IEEPA tariffs. Learn the 3 steps importers must take now to protect refund rights before liquidation deadlines pass.
Detailed analysis of a duty-free classification for video prints.
By Jill LaMadeleine January 19, 2026
$450K in duty refunds realized through a detailed analysis and evaluation of duty-free classifications made by International Tariff Management.
SCOTUS to Rule on Reciprocal Tariffs
By Jill LaMadeleine January 6, 2026
January 2026 trade update: OBBBA targets tobacco drawback, Section 232 delayed, reciprocal tariffs still eligible for refunds. Plus: why 2026 is enforcement year.
2025-a-year-of-change-and-vigilance
By Jill LaMadeleine December 9, 2025
2025 began with the promise and the introduction of sweeping, high tariffs on nearly all imports. While there was a transition to a two-tiered system including broad tariffs and country-specific rates, the mid-year brought pauses, renegotiations, and recalibrations.
Jewelry Manufacturing
By Jill LaMadeleine November 14, 2025
The benefits that we realized working with International Tariff Management was that they made the process seamless from beginning to end.
Supreme Court of the United States
By Jill LaMadeleine November 4, 2025
Oral arguments are scheduled to begin this week with the Supreme Court in regards to the Reciprocal Tariffs - starting Wednesday November 5, 2025.
International Containers
By Jill LaMadeleine October 13, 2025
The Supreme Court, which resumed on October 6th, has agreed to hear the case in regards to the reciprocal-tariffs (IEEPA), on an expedited basis.
Satellite manufacturer claims reciprocal duties on goods launched into space
By Jill LaMadeleine September 15, 2025
By leveraging the option to claim drawback on items launched into space, the importer was able to recover substantial funds — and cover these unexpected costs which they in turn did not have to pass along to their manufacturing partners.
Reciprocal Tariffs
By Jill LaMadeleine September 9, 2025
The latest on the reciprocal tariffs have them hanging in the balance. On August 29, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, affirmed a lower court decision finding that the reciprocal tariffs exceeded presidential authority under IEEPA. The court stayed its mandate until October 14, 2025, giving the g
Under the Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA), USCBP Officers investigate and halt duty evasion.
By Jill LaMadeleine August 15, 2025
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has officially elevated trade and customs fraud—including tariff evasion—to its #2 enforcement priority. This shift is part of a broader strategy under the Trump administration to enforce high tariffs and ensure accurate revenue collection.
EU-US Trade ealD
By Jill LaMadeleine August 4, 2025
On July 27th, the Trump Administration announced a deal with the EU imposing tariffs of 15% on most goods entering the US from Europe. As of August 1st, the 15% blanket tariff will cover most US imports. The US will have a 0% tariff for some items including equipment for US manufacturing and generic medicines.
trade agreement with Vietnam
By Jill LaMadeleine July 8, 2025
Last week, it was announced that the U.S. had reached a preliminary trade agreement with Vietnam. The agreement involves a 20% tariff on Vietnamese goods.
Importer of Yogurt
By Jill LaMadeleine June 18, 2025
The American company reached out to ITM for guidance. They were pleased to learn that under U.S. Customs regulations, they could file for duty drawback—a refund of duties paid—on expired and destroyed goods. Within just four months, ITM had successfully obtained the required authorizations and filed all claims related to the product destructions. Due to ITM’s relationship USCBP, and their expertise, over $850,000 in duty refunds was recouped.
Federal Appeal: Tariffs on imported goods
By Jill LaMadeleine June 2, 2025
On May 28, 2025, a U.S. trade court ruled that President Donald Trump over stepped his authority in imposing the reciprocal tariffs. At that time, the court ordered an immediate block on said tariffs. As of May 29, 2025 a federal appeals court temporarily reinstated the most sweeping of Trump's tariffs. Pausing the lower court’s ruling, The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington is going to consider the government's appeal, and has ordered the plaintiffs in the cases to respond by June 5 and the administration by June 9. This is a developing situation and we will do our best to keep the information coming.
A Jewelry Retailer's Duty Drawback Success Story
By Jill LaMadeleine May 9, 2025
This jewelry retailer's duty drawback success story demonstrates the significant impact that a well-managed duty drawback program can have on profitability. By recovering significant funds, the jewelry retailer was able to reinvest in their business, enhance competitiveness, and strengthen their bottom line in a challenging market.
New tariffs on imported goods from most countries
By Jill LaMadeleine April 3, 2025
Effective at 12:01 a.m. on April 5, 2025, a 10% baseline tariff on imported goods from most countries, with a few exceptions, will be implemented. This baseline is in addition to regular duties and fees, current IEPPA duties, Section 201 duties, Section 301 duties, and any applicable AD/CVD.