latest publications

CBP FINALIZES JAPAN TARIFF FRAMEWORK IMPLEMENTATION U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Commerce have finalized amendments to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) to implement Executive Order 14345. The changes set a 15 percent tariff for most Japanese imports, establish industry-specific treatment for automobiles, [...]

WHAT LED TO ONE OF THE LARGEST SHIPPING CONTAINER LOSSES AT A U.S. PORT THIS YEAR? On September 9, 2025, operations at the Port of Long Beach were disrupted when an estimated 67 shipping containers fell from the vessel Mississippi into the harbor at Pier G. A Unified Command response [...]

WHAT GUIDANCE DID CBP ISSUE ON THE U.S.-JAPAN TARIFF RETROACTIVE PROVISION? U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued interim guidance on the retroactive clause of the U.S.–Japan trade agreement. The Executive Order sets a 15 percent baseline duty on nearly all Japanese imports. Sector-specific rules apply to autos, aerospace products, [...]

HISTORIC TRADE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE U.S. AND JAPAN The White House announced a trade agreement with Japan. It establishes reciprocal tariffs, expands U.S. export access, and secures Japanese investment in U.S. manufacturing and infrastructure. The agreement applies a 15% tariff on most Japanese imports, increases Japan’s purchases of U.S. agriculture [...]

TRANSSHIPMENTS COME UNDER U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION SCRUTINY A recent alert issued by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) included a strong warning: companies tied to illegal transshipment face severe penalties. Consequences include seizure of shipments, steep fines, loss of import privileges, and even criminal charges under U.S. law. Dated [...]

WHAT DID THE FEDERAL CIRCUIT DECIDE REGARDING IEEPA FOR PRESIDENTIAL TARIFFS? On August 29, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not grant the President authority to impose tariffs. The court affirmed the U.S. Court of International [...]

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), under the Department of the Interior, released an unpublished draft of the 2025 List of Critical Minerals, opening a public comment period thirty days after it is officially published in the Federal Register. The list identifies 54 minerals considered essential to U.S. economic and national [...]

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a formal notice implementing a new 25% ad valorem duty on products of India. This action follows Executive Order 14329 and reflects the administration’s decision to address indirect imports of Russian oil through Indian supply channels. The measure modifies the Harmonized Tariff [...]

The United States (U.S.) and the European Union (EU) released a Joint Statement signaling a finalized Framework Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade. The agreement reshapes tariff structures, broadens agricultural and industrial market access, and deepens cooperation on technology, energy, and defense. With mutual investment already exceeding $5 trillion, [...]