Trump's Trade Tariff Updates
Looking for a full list of tariffs by Country? Check out our Current Tariffs page.
New U.S. Tonnage Fees for Chinese Vessel Operators and Chinese-Built Ships (4/21/25):
Starting October 14, 2025, the U.S. will impose significant tonnage fees on Chinese vessel operators and Chinese-built ships calling U.S. ports, with increases scheduled annually through 2028.
Key Details:
Chinese Operators (e.g., COSCO, OOCL):
Fee: $50 per Net Ton, charged once per service string, up to 5 times/year
Example: OOCL IRIS (55,636 NT) → $2.78M per string → ~$600-927K per U.S. port → ~$500-618 per container
Chinese-Built Ships (Regardless of Owner):
Fee: $18 per Net Ton or $120 per container discharged, charged at the first U.S. port call
Example: Same-sized vessel → ~$1M per string or ~$180K per port at 1,500 containers
Annual Fee Increases (for Chinese Operators):
1. April 17, 2025: $0
2. October 14, 2025: $50/NT
3. April 17, 2026: $80/NT
4. April 17, 2027: $110/NT
5. April 17, 2028: $140/NT
Notable Exemptions:
Vessels:
1. Under 4,000 TEUs or 55,000 DWT
2. Traveling <2,000 nautical miles to the U.S.
3. U.S.-owned, U.S.-flagged, or part of national security programs
4. Empty (in ballast), or specialized tankers/lakers
These changes may prompt service string restructuring and re-routing through non-U.S. ports like Freeport or Kingston to reduce exposure to new fees. Stay tuned for further guidance on vessel classification and cost-impact mitigation.
China Raises Tariffs to 125% (4/11/25):
On 4/9, the U.S. announced an increase in tariffs on imports from China by 125%, bringing the total to 145%. In response, China has announced a raise in their own tariffs placed on American goods from 84% to 125%.
EU Pauses Tariffs for 90 Days (4/10/25):
In response to the U.S. pausing tariffs for 90 days, the EU has also paused their announced tariffs for 90 days, expiring at the same time as the U.S. pause.
U.S. Raises China Tariffs by 125%; Implements 90-day Pause for Others (4/9/25, 1 pm):
In a major escalation to the ongoing trade dispute, the United States has announced an immediate increase in tariffs on imports from China by 125%, bringing the total to 145%, citing concerns over China’s conduct in global markets.
At the same time, the U.S. has issued a 90-day pause on further tariff escalations for over 75 countries actively engaging in trade negotiations. During this period, a reduced 10% reciprocal tariff will apply to these cooperative trading partners, as a sign of good faith while discussions on trade barriers, currency manipulation, and related issues continue.
Five Minute Tariff Update (4/9/25):
The U.S. is implementing significant, additional tariff changes affecting goods from China and several global trade partners.
Here’s what to know:
U.S. Import Tariffs:
1. Universal 10% Global Tariff – Now in Effect as of April 5, 2025
A 10% tariff on all imports (excluding Canada and Mexico) began April 5 and stacks with other duties. Remember: The Universal rate applies to imports from all countries NOT listed on Annex I.
2. China Tariff Increases – Effective April 9, 2025
Most goods imported from China (including Hong Kong and Macau) will now face a total duty rate of 104%, unless specifically exempt under CSMS 64680374. You can view the full Executive Order here.
3. De Minimis Eliminated for China – Effective May 2, 2025
Low-value shipments (under $800) from China are no longer eligible for duty-free entry. Instead, from May 2-May 31, the fee will be $100 per postal item or 120% ad valorem (whichever is higher), and from June 1 onward, the fee will be $200 per postal item or 120% ad valorem.
4. Reciprocal Tariffs by Country – Effective April 9, 2025
Countries listed in Annex I face steep reciprocal tariffs (rates vary). These are additive to other IEEPA, Section 301, underlying duties.
Retaliations:
5. China Retaliates
On April 8, China retaliated with its own 84% tariffs on U.S. goods starting April 10, escalating the trade conflict.
6. EU Retaliation
The EU has just approved 25% tariffs on U.S. goods (e.g., motorcycles, poultry, fruit, and more), targeting $23B in trade in response to U.S. metals and auto duties.
7. Canada Retaliates
Effective April 9, 2025, Canada imposed a 25% tariff on U.S.-manufactured vehicles that do not comply with the USMCA. This action directly responds to U.S. tariffs on Canadian auto exports. Notably, auto parts and components from Mexico are exempt from these Canadian tariffs to maintain the integrated nature of the North American auto industry.
Exemptions and FAQs:
8. Key Exemptions
These items are not impacted by the new tariffs:
– Products with national security exemptions
– Steel, aluminum, auto/parts (already covered by Section 232)
– Copper, semiconductors, critical minerals, and energy goods (Annex II)
– Goods compliant under USMCA, with proper documentation
9. FTA and Transshipment Rules
– FTA benefits remain, but tariffs still apply unless exempted
– Sailing date is defined by the port of loading to the U.S.-not transshipment date
Reminder: All duties are cumulative. This means your shipment may be subject to multiple layers of tariffs and fees.
President Trump Announces 50% Additional Tariffs on China (4/8/25):
As of 12 pm EST on April 8th, the White House Press Secretary has announced that 50% additional tariffs have been levied on China bringing the total levies placed to 104%.
China announces 34% tariff on the US (4/4/25):
China has announced a 34% tariff on U.S. goods that will go into effect April 10th. Full details have not been released but appears to encompass all goods. We will update this alert as more details become available.
Global Reciprocal Tariffs Announced (4/2/25):
On April 2, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order declaring a national emergency related to persistent U.S. trade deficits. In response, the U.S. will impose a universal 10% tariff on all imports from all countries, effective April 5, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT.
Important Note: The rates of duty apply to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. ET on April 5, except that goods loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in transit on the final mode of transit before 12:01 a.m. ET on April 5 and entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption after 12:01 a.m. ET on April 5 shall not be subject to such additional duty.
In addition, country-specific tariffs will take effect on April 9, 2025, targeting select nations listed in Annex I of the order. These higher ad valorem rates will remain in place until the identified economic concerns are resolved. Notable countries have been summarized on our Current Tariffs page.
Important Note: The rates of duty apply to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. ET on April 9, except that goods loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in transit on the final mode of transit before 12:01 a.m. ET on April 9 and entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption after 12:01 a.m. ET on April 9 shall not be subject to these country-specific ad valorem rates of duty.
Canada and Mexico
Goods from Canada and Mexico that qualify under USMCA will remain eligible for duty-free treatment. However, non-originating goods are already subject to 25% tariffs and will not face additional duties under this new order. A 10% tariff applies to Canadian energy products and potash that fall outside USMCA terms.
Steel and Aluminum
The steel and aluminum tariffs implemented March 11th remain in effect. As of April 1st, the Administration noted this also extends to imported beer cans and empty aluminum cans.
Here is a visual of the expected change in duty rates for several countries:
Please note several exemptions from new tariffs:
- Articles covered by national security exemptions under 50 U.S.C. 1702(b)
- Steel, aluminum, automobiles and parts are already subject to prior proclamations and existing tariff regimes; they will not be affected by the new tariffs.
- Specific products such as copper, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, lumber, critical minerals, and energy goods (as detailed in Annex II)
- Goods subject to Column 2 rates of the HTSUS
- Items that may be targeted under future Section 232 actions
De Minimis Changes
There was one other significant item slipped into the Executive Order; it affects de minimis from China. As of May 2, 2025, de minimis treatment (duty-free entry for goods valued under $800) will no longer apply to shipments from China or Hong Kong and will face a duty rate of either 30% of their value or $25 per item (increasing to $50 after June 1, 2025).
The Executive Order also included a provision allowing the Administration to expand or increase tariffs if trading partners retaliate.
Shapiro will keep you apprised of future developments. For any questions, please reach us at [email protected].
March Updates
1. New Auto and Parts Duties Under Section 232: (3/27/2025)
– A new proclamation imposes a 25% tariff on specified automobiles, in addition to existing duties that will go into effect April 3rd. Tariffs on auto parts will begin no later than May 3rd. The full list of affected products will be defined in ANNEX I, which is pending release.
– Importers of vehicles that qualify under USMCA may submit documentation identifying the amount of “U.S. content” in each model to be eligible to pay the 25% tariff only on the value of the non-U.S. content of the automobile.
– President Trump also signaled possible future tariffs on lumber, pharmaceuticals, and computer chips during press remarks.
2. Retaliatory Tariffs Against the U.S.: (3/14/2025)
– The EU has announced retaliatory tariffs on U.S. industrial and farm products now that the 25% tariff on aluminum and steel has gone into effect. This will cover an estimated $28 billion in U.S. goods ranging from meat to home appliances to motorcycles and peanut butter. The tariffs are expected to be in place on April 13th, 2025. In her statement, the Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated the EU “will remain open to negotiation.”
– Canada has also announced retaliatory tariffs impacting steel, aluminum, computers, sports equipment, and cast iron products estimated at $29.8 billion.
– Canada has proposed an additional $125 billion in tariffs on over 4000 different HTS codes with comments due on 4/2/2025.
3. Reciprocal Tariff Policy & New Tariffs: (3/25/2025)
– President Trump has issued an executive order to impose additional 25% tariffs on countries that import oil from Venezuela. As of early 2025, this includes China, India, Spain, Cuba, Brazil, Turkey, Italy, Russia, Singapore, and Vietnam. This tariff will be in addition to anything currently in place.
– President Trump has narrowed the focus of reciprocal tariffs to the “dirty 15”, countries with a trade imbalance unfavorable to the US. Ranked in order of the imbalance: China, the EU, Mexico, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Canada, India, Thailand, Switzerland, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and South Africa. In addition, chips, cars, and medical drugs will be excluded.
– The White House launched a plan to examine non-reciprocal trade relationships, with investigations starting soon and fiscal impact assessments due by August 13. This initiative targets nations like India, Brazil, Vietnam, Argentina, Southeast Asia, Africa, Japan, the EU, and China, which have been identified for imposing tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods, automobiles, and non-tariff barriers. These are expected to begin April 2nd, 2025.
4. Steel & Aluminum Tariff Changes: (3/11/2025)
– Effective March 11, tariffs on steel imports are supposed to increase to 25%, and aluminum tariffs are supposed to jump from 10% to 25%. Additionally, at that time, all previous trade agreements for aluminum and steel will become invalid, and no new exclusions will be granted, though current ones remain valid until expiration.
– Duties on new derivative steel or aluminum articles are postponed until “public notification by the Secretary of Commerce, that adequate systems are in place to fully, efficiently, and expediently process and collect tariff revenue on covered articles.”. Check the HTS codes here:
5. China, Canada, & Mexico Tariff Updates: (3/5/2025, 3/6/2025)
– Duties on 10% tariffs were imposed on products from China, effective February 4th, with exemptions for goods shipped before February 1st. An additional 10% was levied on March 4th, 2025.
– 25% tariffs are currently imposed on Mexico and Canada imports (10% for Canadian energy); as of March 4th, 2025. A carve-out exemption has been made for Automotive products for one month (April 4th, 2025).
– On March 6th a one month extension was granted to goods for both Canada and Mexico falling under the USMCA. This impacts roughly half of imports from both countries.
– 25% tariffs have been announced as “coming soon” for automobiles and other products from the EU.
6. De Minimis Paused: (3/5/2025)
– President Trump’s Executive Order (the one that imposed additional 10% tariffs on U.S. imports from China) also included a provision for the curtailment of de minimis-qualifying (duty-free treatment of goods valued under $800 per shipment) shipments from China, effective February 4.
– On February 7, Trump paused his administration’s repeal of the de-minimis plan to allow for time to establish an effective, administrative process.
– The de-minimis exemption for Canada and Mexico will temporarily remain in place until tariff revenue collection systems are ready.
7. China Tariff Retaliation Measures: (3/5/2025)
– In response to U.S. tariffs, China imposed 15% tariffs on coal and LNG and 10% on crude oil, machinery, and large-engine vehicles, effective February 10.
– In response to the additional U.S. tariffs enacted March 4th, 2025, China announced reciprocal tariffs on U.S. agricultural products including chicken, soy, pork, and beef effective March 10th, 2025.
8. Rumors of Easing Russian Sanctions: (3/5/2025)
– The U.S. administration is reportedly drafting plans to ease sanctions on Russia to improve diplomatic relations and address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This move has raised concerns among European allies, who emphasize the importance of continued support for Ukraine.
What Our Customers Are Doing:
To preempt potential tariff impacts, many shippers are diversifying their supply chains by exploring new supplier countries. Others are adjusting inventory strategies, including increasing stockpiles of critical goods and renegotiating supplier contracts to accommodate potential cost changes. They are also working with our seasoned regulatory compliance team to review and stay ahead of classification changes to save on duties.
If you have any questions about how these changes might affect your shipments, don’t hesitate to reach out.
President Trump has walked back his promise to double the Aluminum and Steel Tariffs from 25% to 50%.
In addition, the EU has announced retaliatory tariffs on U.S. industrial and farm products now that the 25% tariff on aluminum and steel has gone into effect. This will cover an estimated $28 billion in U.S. goods ranging from meat to home appliances to motorcycles and peanut butter. The tariffs are expected to be in place on April 13th, 2025. In her statement, the Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated the EU “will remain open to negotiation.”
Canada has also announced retaliatory tariffs impacting steel, aluminum, computers, sports equipment, and cast iron products estimated at $29.8 billion.
President Trump has announced that the Canadian Aluminum Import Tariffs will double from the recently enacted 25% to 50%, effective on March 12th in retaliation for Canada Energy Tariffs.
Promised Tariffs Go Into Effect on Canada, Mexico, and China:
Many trade changes that took place overnight!
Effective March 4, 2025, the United States has implemented significant tariffs affecting imports from Canada, Mexico, and China:
– For Canada and Mexico, a 25% tariff has been imposed on most imports. Canadian energy products, including oil and natural gas, are subject to a 10% tariff.
– The de minimis exemption (which allows U.S. imports under $800 to enter duty-free) will temporarily remain in place for goods from Canada and Mexico.
– The exemption will end only when the Commerce Secretary confirms that tariff revenue collection systems are ready.
– For China, the existing tariffs implemented on February 4th have been increased from 10% to 20% on all products, with exclusions for donations, informational material, products for personal use, and Chapter 98.
In retaliation to the U.S. tariffs:
– Canada announced 25% tariffs on U.S. goods totaling approximately $155 billion CAD.
– China announced plans to impose reciprocal tariffs on key U.S. agricultural products, including chicken, pork, soy, and beef, effective March 10.
– Mexico just announced that it would announce tariffs on U.S. products on Sunday, March 9.
The U.S. administration is reportedly drafting plans to ease sanctions on Russia to improve diplomatic relations and address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This move has raised concerns among European allies, who emphasize the importance of continued support for Ukraine.
February Updates
Trump has pushed the Canada/Mexico tariffs back a month to April 2nd and has also announced a 25% tariff on cars and other products from the EU will be coming.
The White House has issued a new memorandum on reciprocal tariffs, further detailing the changes to U.S. trade policy. Here’s what you need to know:
– The administration is starting to identify non-reciprocal trade relationships, but no defined timeline for action has been set.
– Agencies will begin investigating the impact of non-reciprocal trade arrangements, with reports submitted directly to the administration once investigations are complete.
– The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will assess the fiscal impact on the federal government and the burden of information requests on the public. This review must be completed by August 13.
Based on this information, it will likely take several months before this initiative gains traction. Implementation will also take time, as evidenced by recent trade actions like the expiration of Section 321 for China and the derivative steel and aluminum articles.
For more detail, you can view the official White House memo here: Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs Memo
On Friday, February 14th, the official annex lists (containing all the specific HTS codes) were made available for steel and aluminum. The full list of codes can be found below in links to the official Federal Register Memos.
As a reminder, this renders all previous aluminum and steel agreements with trading partners invalid, effective March 12th. No exclusions or exemptions will be issued. However, if you have a current exclusion, it will be effective until the expiration date or until the volume has been exhausted.
– Aluminum Memo (Page 19 of Memo)
– Steel Memo (Page 24 of Memo)
For a better look at the HTS codes included, check out out Blanket Tariffs page.
President Trump has announced a reciprocal tariff policy, aiming to match the tariffs and trade barriers imposed on U.S. exports by other nations.
Nations potentially facing higher U.S. tariffs include:
– India
– Brazil
– Vietnam
– Argentina
– Several Southeast Asian and African Countries
– Japan
– European Union Member States
– China
These nations have been identified for their tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods, automobiles, and other exports, as well as for non-tariff barriers such as government subsidies and restrictive regulations on American companies mentioned above.
President Trump signed an Executive Order on February 10, 2025, removing exceptions and exemptions from his 2018 tariffs on steel, resulting in all steel imports being taxed at 25%. The tariffs on aluminum were also raised from 10% (2018) to 25%.
To retaliate against the 10% U.S. tariff on Chinese goods, China introduced the following additional duties on U.S. exports:
– 15% tariffs on coal and liquified natural gas (LNG), covering goods under eight Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes
– 10% tariffs on crude oil, agricultural machinery and large-engine vehicles, affecting commodities under 72 HTS codes
These tariffs are scheduled to take effect on February 10, 2025.
The US Postal Service (USPS) will not be implementing the ban on all inbound packages from China and Hong Kong announced on February 4. In the initial notice, USPS said that it would no longer accept parcels from China and Hong Kong after the US imposed an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods and ended the de minimis exception that allowed small value parcels to enter the country without paying tax. According to USPS officials, it will work with CBP to implement a collection process for the new China tariffs to avoid delivery disruptions.
Trump’s Canada and Mexico Tariffs Postponed
The implementation date of the proposed tariffs against Canada and Mexico has been postponed by one month, moving the effective date from February 4, 2025 to March 4, 2025.
Both countries have offered concessions that appear to have contributed to the postponements:
– Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada has committed to appointing a fentanyl czar and implementing a border plan.
– Mexico agreed to add a significant number of national guards to their border, to stymie the flow of drugs and illegal immigration into the US.
As of now, the 10% tariff on China and Hong Kong imports remains unchanged. Please refer to the Federal Register Notice and the instructions released to the trade. In addition, the China de minimis loophole remains closed at this time.
President Trump announced today that he has agreed to immediately pause tariffs proposed against Mexico for one month after President Sheinbaum agreed to send 10,000 Mexican troops to the border to help combat drug trafficking.
What We Know So Far:
President Trump has invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to issue three executive orders imposing new ad valorem tariffs:
– 25% on products from Mexico
– 25% on products from Canada (except energy products, which are at 10%)
– 10% on products from China
These additional tariffs take effect on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, on top of existing duties (e.g., Section 301, Section 232, antidumping/countervailing duties).
While the Canadian-focused order has been published, the orders for Mexico and China are still pending. However, they are expected to follow the same framework, apart from the reduced duties for Canadian energy imports.
Key Takeaways
1. Effective Data & Exceptions
– The tariffs take effect Tuesday, 2/4, but goods already on the water before 2/1 are exempt.
2. Unclear Scope
– The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will define covered goods via a Federal Register notice, but its publication before the tariff deadline in uncertain.
3. Open Questions
– Will tariffs apply to goods originating in Mexico/Canada under USMCA?
– Will tariffs cover Chinese goods not already subject to Section 301?
4. Canadian Energy Definition
– Includes crude oil, natural gas, refined petroleum, uranium, coal, biofuels, and critical minerals under 30 U.S.C. 1606 (a)(3).
5. No Exclusions Announced
– No product exclusions or exclusion process has been provided.
6. Duty Drawback Prohibited
– The new tariffs cannot be recovered under duty drawback programs (19 CFR Parts 190, 191).
7. De Minimis Eliminated
– Duty-free treatment under Section 321 (for low-value shipments) is removed for goods from Canada, Mexico, and China.
8. Chapter 98 Uncertainty
– Past duty programs allowed exemptions under Chapter 98 (temporary imports, agriculture, etc.). It’s unclear if this applies here.
9. Potential Retaliation
– Tariffs could increase if Mexico, Canada, or China retaliate.
– Canada has announced retaliation:
– 25% tariffs on C$30 billion in U.S. goods (Feb 4)
– More tariffs on C$125 billion in three weeks (Feb 21)
– Canada has now published its retaliation list
10. Possible Reversal
– The Secretary of Homeland Security can recommend tariff removal, but no clear criteria for lifting them have been set.
What’s Next?
More updates are expected by 2/3 or 2/4. If you’d like to discuss further, please let us know.
January Updates
Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary, has reported that 25% tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and 10% on China will be enacted on February 1, 2025. It is unclear at this time whether specific products will be exempt.
The U.S. and Colombia have reached an agreement to resolve a trade and immigration dispute, ensuring stability for their trade relationship:
– Colombia agreed to accept deported migrants, including those transported on U.S. military aircraft, avoiding threatened U.S. tariffs and sanctions.
– President Trump levied a 25% tariff that would ramp to 50%. President Petro responded with a 50% tariff on US goods a short while later.
– Proposed U.S. tariffs of up to 50% on Colombian imports and additional sanctions, including travel bans on Colombian officials, have been suspended following the agreement.
– Similar challenges have arisen with other countries regarding deportation policies, including Mexico and Brazil, highlighting broader implications for trade and immigration in the region.
Tariffs Hit Snooze, For Now…
President Trump has delayed imposing new tariffs and put a pause on new rules or regulations until they’re reviewed by his appointees. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s happening:
– A top-to-bottom review of trade policies is underway, with agency heads reporting back by April 1.
– Mexico and Canada could face 25% tariffs as early as February 1, depending on outcomes.
– Potential actions include new tariffs, additional 301 tariffs, changes to section 321 de minimis, and updates to steel and aluminum tariffs.
– NPRMs (like those affecting section 321 entries) are postponed for 60 days for further review.
– Potential 10% tariff on goods from China, also set to begin on February 1.
The full White House memo can be viewed here.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) emphasized their ongoing commitment to security, safety, and facilitating legitimate trade during a recent call with industry leaders.
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