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Newsletter | Nov 2024

Jack LaMadeleine • November 6, 2024

Updates in FTA's and GSP with significant effects of the state of trade for the United States

TOP NEWS

In a significant development for the U.S.-Chile trade relations, the two nations have approved a pivotal agreement that bolsters the existing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between them. This new accord, formalized through an exchange of letters, introduces enhanced protections for U.S. cheese exports to Chile—an essential market for American dairy products.


The new agreement comes in response to recent developments in global trade. Chile recently finalized a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU). This agreement included provisions to protect geographical indications (GIs) for various European cheeses, potentially impacting U.S. cheese exports. GIs are designations used to identify products originating from a specific place, often associated with unique qualities or reputations.


To address potential challenges posed by the EU’s GI protections, the Biden Administration engaged in negotiations to secure additional protections for U.S. cheeses in Chile. This proactive approach aims to prevent U.S. cheese products from losing market access or facing new trade barriers due to the EU’s FTA with Chile.


WHATS HAPPENING AT ITM?

Congratulations to Alan Wineburgh on reaching his 8-year work anniversary! Alan has been an integral part of the ITM team and has helped a multitude of clients get their well deserved returns from U.S. Customs. Jack LaMadeleine also celebrates his 1-year anniversary with the ITM team. Jack has been a strong asset to the team in educating new clientele on the services offered at ITM. The team celebrates both of their achievements throughout the years and looks forward to many to come.


MORE NEWS 

In 2020, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program—a cornerstone of U.S. trade policy that provided duty-free access to goods from designated beneficiary countries—lapsed. Despite ongoing discussions about its significance, it has yet to be reauthorized. This gap has created a cloud of uncertainty for both the beneficiary nations and the businesses that rely on the program. The story of the GSP lapse is not just about a specific trade program but is emblematic of a broader collapse in U.S. trade policy over the past 15 years.


Read more on GSP and the U.S./Chile FTA Below:

GSP Duty-Free Access to Goods U.S. | Chile: Free Trade Agreement
New tariffs on imported goods from most countries

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.
New tariffs now in effect

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

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:

Newsletter | Feb 2025

By Jack LaMadeleine • February 1, 2025
International Tariff Management's February Newsletter

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 Trade Agreement with Taiwan

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!
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