Newsletter | Feb 2025

Jack LaMadeleine • February 1, 2025

International Tariff Management's February Newsletter

TOP NEWS

At a signing ceremony in the Oval Office, Trump revealed that his administration would roll out tariffs on goods from two of the U.S.'s largest trading partners, Mexico and Canada.

However, this new tariff decision doesn’t fully align with the aggressive trade strategy Trump promised during his campaign. The sweeping tariffs Trump pledged on his first day in office, including a 25% tariff on Mexico and Canada, have yet to materialize. His executive action, while still outlining a broad trade policy overhaul, serves more as a placeholder for a more extensive, long-term plan.

INSIDE ITM

The team at ITM has been working diligently with many new partners to maximize returns with the currently evolving world of tariffs. To schedule a consultative meeting please reach out to our direct line and we would love to assist you in your current trade related issues.

MORE NEWS

On December 9, 2024, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) confirmed that the first agreement stemming from this initiative took effect the following day. Signed in June 2023, the agreement covers key areas such as anti-corruption, customs administration and trade facilitation, and small and medium-sized enterprises. The USTR's certification to the U.S. Congress, confirming Taiwan's adherence to its obligations under the agreement, paved the way for this milestone.

The announcement was met with support from both sides. USTR Katherine Tai described the agreement as a “milestone” and a significant step in strengthening U.S.-Taiwan trade relations. Taiwan’s Office of Trade Negotiations emphasized the strategic importance of bolstering ties with key economic and trade partners, particularly given the current global instability.

Newsletter | April 2025 | Update: Tariffs on imported goods

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.

Newsletter | March 2025

By Jill LaMadeleine • March 4, 2025

As of 12:01am, March 4, 2025, tariffs of 25% are effective on products from Canada and Mexico and energy products from Canada are subject to a 10% duty. Products that are presently excluded from these tariffs include goods that are for personal use, goods entered under Chapter 98, donations that are imported under HTSUS 9903.01.21and merely information items included under HTSUS 9903.01.22. All other imported items will carry the 25% tariff and no drawback is permitted on these duties.

Steel and Aluminum Tariffs: Key Changes and Upcoming Deadlines

By Jill LaMadeleine • February 18, 2025

The upcoming changes to steel and aluminum tariffs will significantly impact the steel and aluminum industries, with numerous provisions to ensure compliance. Importers, exporters, and manufacturers in the steel and aluminum sectors should stay informed about the latest developments and ensure their operations are aligned with these new tariff regulations.

New Executive Order Impacts Imports from China: Additional Tariffs and the End of De Minimis Exemption

By Jack LaMadeleine • February 5, 2025

On February 1, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order (EO) that imposes an additional 10% ad valorem tariff on most imports from China, which includes products of Hong Kong. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) quickly followed up with important guidance regarding these changes, particularly impacting the trade community's handling of de minimis shipments from China. Effective February 4, 2025, de minimis shipments from China will no longer be eligible for the administrative exemption from duty under 19 U.S.C. § 1321(a)(2)(C), and will be subject to the new 10% tariffs. Here's everything you need to know about the changes:

De Minimus Update

By Jack LaMadeleine • February 5, 2025

The recent guidance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regarding de minimis shipments from China is a significant update. Here's a quick breakdown of the key points in the alert:

Trump's 25% Tariff on Mexico and Canada, Day One Pledge Delayed

By Jack LaMadeleine • January 27, 2025

On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump was sworn in for his second term, and with that came big promises regarding trade policy. But a significant shift came just days later, on January 21, when Trump announced plans to impose 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada—set to go into effect on February 1, 2025. This move represents a dramatic change in North American trade relations and could have wide-reaching effects on American consumers. At a signing ceremony in the Oval Office, Trump revealed that his administration would roll out tariffs on goods from two of the U.S.'s largest trading partners, Mexico and Canada. However, this new tariff decision doesn’t fully align with the aggressive trade strategy Trump promised during his campaign. The sweeping tariffs Trump pledged on his first day in office, including a 25% tariff on Mexico and Canada, have yet to materialize. His executive action, while still outlining a broad trade policy overhaul, serves more as a placeholder for a more extensive, long-term plan.

US Takes First Step in Trade Agreement with Taiwan

By Jack LaMadeleine • January 9, 2025

Although the United States and Taiwan (officially known as the Republic of China) do not maintain formal diplomatic relations, the two countries share strong cooperation in several areas, including trade. Trade discussions are managed through the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U.S., under an arrangement called the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade. This framework allows both nations to address trade and investment issues, while working toward mutual priorities over time.

Understanding the Recent Section 301 Tariff Updates: Key Changes and Filing Instructions

By Jack LaMadeleine • January 3, 2025

As of January 1, 2025, new tariff rates on certain Chinese imports will go into effect, as part of the ongoing Section 301 investigation into China's trade practices, particularly regarding technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation. The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has announced additional tariff increases under the Section 301 Four Year Review, which impacts a range of products, including certain tungsten products, solar wafers, and polysilicon. If you're involved in importing these products or handling customs filings, it’s crucial to understand the latest developments and the steps required to comply with the updated regulations.

Newsletter | Jan 2025

By Jack LaMadeleine • January 1, 2025

Our team is excited to be back for another year of maximizing refunds and providing exceptional service for our partners!

Why China Welcomes Trump’s Energy Tariffs: An Analysis by Wesley Alexander Hill

By Jack LaMadeleine • December 23, 2024

In his recent article, "Why China Welcomes Trump’s Energy Tariffs", energy and geo-economics expert Wesley Alexander Hill provides an intriguing take on how U.S. tariffs, especially those targeting energy products, might inadvertently benefit China rather than harm it, as intended by former President Donald Trump.