The United States (U.S.) and the Commonwealth of Australia (Australia) have signed a Framework for Securing Supply in the Mining and Processing of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths. The agreement aims to reinforce industrial and defense resilience by expanding joint investment, accelerating project development, and safeguarding mineral markets from unfair [...]
WHAT ARE THE FINAL SECTION 232 IMPORT TARIFFS ON TRUCKS, PARTS, AND BUSES? The White House has finalized Section 232 import tariffs on medium- and heavy-duty trucks, related vehicle parts, and buses following the Department of Commerce’s investigation into national security risks associated with foreign-sourced manufacturing. The proclamation establishes final [...]
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently released updated guidance following the October 14, 2025, effective date of the Section 301 vessel fees for foreign-built ships. The update clarifies payment procedures, exemptions, and operator responsibilities consistent with the Federal Register notice, “Notice of Action and Proposed Action in Section [...]
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has finalized key modifications under the Section 301 investigation into China’s targeting of the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. The determination follows the responsive measures initiated on April 17, 2025, and incorporates public feedback received since the June 2025 proposal. [...]
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has activated a new Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) enhancement that automatically rejects manifest filings missing critical shipment details. The update went into effect on September 27, 2025, and applies across all transportation modes. WHY DID CBP MAKE THIS CHANGE? CBP’s new automation is part [...]
HOW IS CBP OPERATING DURING THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN? U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has confirmed that trade operations will continue without interruption during the federal government shutdown. All CBP personnel responsible for processing imports, enforcing tariffs, and managing trade compliance are classified as exempted employees and are required to [...]
WHAT DOES THE PFIZER MOST-FAVORED-NATION AGREEMENT MEAN FOR U.S. TRADE POLICY? On September 30, 2025, the White House announced an agreement with Pfizer establishing the first application of most-favored-nation (MFN) pricing to U.S. pharmaceuticals. The policy is based on Executive Order 14297, signed May 12, 2025, “Delivering Most-Favored-Nation Prescription Drug [...]
WHICH IMPORTS ARE SUBJECT TO THE NEW SECTION 232 WOOD PRODUCT TARIFFS? Section 232 tariffs on timber, lumber, upholstered furniture, and wooden cabinets and vanities will take effect on October 14, 2025, following a White House proclamation issued under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The proclamation sets new duty [...]
WHAT NEW TARIFFS DID THE WHITE HOUSE ANNOUNCE? The White House recently issued a series of public statements via social media outlining new import tariffs effective October 1, 2025. The measures focus on heavy trucks, household furnishings, and branded pharmaceuticals. According to the statements, the following new tariffs will apply: [...]
WHAT IS THE NEW ACH REFUND AUTHORIZATION FUNCTIONALITY? On September 24, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the release of a new Automated Clearinghouse (ACH) Refund Authorization tab in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Secure Data Portal. The new functionality will become operational on September 30, 2025. This [...]
