WHAT NEW TARIFF ACTIONS DID THE WHITE HOUSE ANNOUNCE?
Recent public remarks attributed to the White House indicate that higher tariffs may be imposed on imports from South Korea and Canada. The remarks suggest a potential increase in existing tariff levels tied to trade compliance considerations and reciprocal tariff treatment.
HOW WOULD THE PROPOSED SOUTH KOREA TARIFFS BE STRUCTURED?
The Administration recently announced that tariffs on certain South Korea-origin goods could increase from 15 percent to 25 percent. Referenced product categories include autos, lumber, pharmaceutical products, and other goods subject to reciprocal tariff treatment. The tariff action centers on the status of legislative approval in South Korea related to previously announced trade arrangements. No details have been provided regarding effective dates, HTSUS scope, or whether exemptions or transition periods would apply.
WHAT HAS BEEN STATED REGARDING POTENTIAL TARIFFS ON CANADA?
Separate statements indicate that tariffs of up to 100 percent could be imposed on Canadian-origin goods under specific circumstances tied to Canada’s recent trade negotiations with China. The comments reference concerns about third-country goods entering the United States through Canada.
HAVE FORMAL TRADE OR CUSTOMS GUIDANCE BEEN PUBLISHED?
As of January 27, 2026, no official notifications or regulatory actions have been published by the White House, the Office of the United States Trade Representative, or U.S. Customs and Border Protection. At this stage, the scope, conditions, and enforcement thresholds for any such measure have not been defined, and no implementing guidance has been released.
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