U.S. Tariffs - Updates April 10, 2025

As we have seen the dust settle over the last 36 hours regarding U.S. tariff policy, here is what we know now, as of midday Thursday, April 10, 2025:

• An additive 10% tax increase on imports from most international origins was put into effect as of April 5, 2025, and remains live. 

• The U.S. Administration has walked back from earlier pronouncements, placing a 90-day pause on further tariff increases in response to market turmoil.

  • Other tariff policies, such as 25% on aluminum and steel from any source, are still in effect as of March 12, 2025, and do not appear to be increasing at this time.

  • De minims guidance has also been adjusted:

    • The de minimis treatment for shipments valued at $800 or less will end May 2, 2025. The tariffs that will then apply to these smaller value shipments will vary, and are likely to increase in June.

• Increases to tariffs on imports from China are not paused; in fact, they have escalated precipitously. Following statements made yesterday, the total tax increase on goods imported from China has ballooned to 145% in additional tariffs on top of the existing 25% that was imposed on certain goods from China in Trump's first term which raises the total tariff to 170%. 

• Following guidance posted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on April 8, 2025: there is an “on the water” clause for cargo presently in transit at sea from any destination, including China.

  • It is our understanding, based on this guidance, that any cargo in their final mode of transit on or after 12:01 AM EDT April 5 and before 12:01 AM EDT April 9, and that gets cleared by customs at American destinations by 12:01 AM EDT on May 27, 2025, could be exempted from additional tariff increases.

• The situation with Canada and Mexico has not substantively changed. It appears, based on the guidance, any goods not compliant with the USMCA are still only subject to a 25% tariff (with the exception of energy and potash which is tariffed at 10%). Any further increases have not been announced at this time.

  • USMCA compliance can vary on a vendor by vendor basis.

We will continue to do our best to provide weekly updates on this ever-evolving situation. Overall, our advice remains the same. The best advisors to talk to are the vendors and importers handling the transport of these goods into the U.S.. Importer companies and the vendors themselves are better able to advise on which components of the products - if any - may be subject to the new tariffs, taxes, and fees and can help make plans accordingly.