Tariff & Trade Insights
Expert analysis on U.S. tariff policy, HS code classification, landed cost calculations, and trade compliance strategies for importers.
De Minimis Threshold Changes: What the $800 Rule Means for Your Business
The U.S. de minimis threshold is currently set at $800, meaning shipments valued at $800 or less can enter the United States duty-free and with minimal customs documentation. However, recent policy changes—particularly restrictions on imports from China—have significantly altered how this exemption
Section 232 Steel and Aluminum Tariffs: Current Rates and Impact
The U.S. imposes a 25% tariff on steel imports and a 10% tariff on aluminum imports under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, affecting billions of dollars in trade annually. These tariffs, implemented in March 2018 citing national security concerns, apply to most countries except those
USMCA vs. NAFTA: How the New Trade Agreement Affects Tariffs
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) replaced NAFTA on July 1, 2020, bringing significant changes to tariff-free trade rules, particularly stricter automotive requirements and higher de minimis thresholds. While both agreements eliminate tariffs on qualifying goods traded between the th
Ad Valorem vs. Specific Tariffs: What Importers Need to Know
Tariffs are calculated in two primary ways: ad valorem (based on product value) or specific (based on quantity). Ad valorem tariffs apply a percentage to your goods' value (e.g., 10% of a $1,000 shipment = $100 duty), while specific tariffs charge a fixed amount per unit (e.g., $0.50 per kilogram re
Electronics Import Tariffs: HS Codes and Duty Rates for Tech Products
Importing electronics into the United States requires navigating a complex landscape of tariff codes and duty rates that vary widely by product type. Most consumer electronics fall under HS Chapters 84 and 85, with duty rates ranging from 0% for certain Information Technology Agreement (ITA) items t
Textile and Apparel Tariffs: A Guide for Fashion Importers
Textile and apparel products face some of the highest U.S. import duties, with rates ranging from 10% to 32% depending on fiber content, construction method, and country of origin. These goods are classified under HS Chapters 50-63 and are subject to complex rules of origin, particularly under the U
EU Tariff Guide: How European Import Duties Affect U.S. Trade
The European Union applies a Common External Tariff (CET) averaging 5.1% on imports from non-EU countries, including the United States, though rates vary from 0% to over 20% depending on the product category . U.S. exporters face additional retaliatory tariffs on approximately $4 billion in goods fo
Automotive Parts Tariffs: Section 232 and Beyond
U.S. automotive parts face multiple tariff layers including Section 232 national security tariffs on steel and aluminum (25% and 10% respectively), potential Section 232 auto tariffs (25% threatened but not implemented as of 2024), and complex USMCA rules requiring 75% regional value content for dut
How to Calculate Import Duties: Step-by-Step Guide
Import duties represent one of the most significant costs when bringing goods into the United States, yet many businesses struggle to calculate them accurately. Import duties are taxes imposed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on goods entering the country, calculated as a percentage of th