Tariff & Trade Insights
Expert analysis on U.S. tariff policy, HS code classification, landed cost calculations, and trade compliance strategies for importers.
Balance of Payments (BOP)
The balance of payments is a comprehensive record of all economic transactions between a country and the rest of the world — distinct from the trade deficit. It is now the central legal concept in the 24-state lawsuit challenging Section 122 tariffs.
Section 122 Legal Challenges: What Importers Need to Know About the 24-State Lawsuit
Twenty-four states have sued to strike down Section 122 tariffs, arguing they were designed for balance-of-payments crises — not trade deficits. Here's what importers need to know about the legal challenge, the July 23 expiration, and how to plan.
HS Code Misclassification: The Risks, Penalties, and How to Protect Your Business
With tariff rates exceeding 50% on some imports, HS code misclassification has never been more costly. Automated tools are assigning wrong codes, CBP audits are up 35%, and penalties can reach 4x unpaid duties. Here's how to protect your business.
Tariff Exclusions in 2026: What SMBs Need to Know (Even Though There's No Formal Process)
There's no single exclusion process for 2026 tariffs, but between 1,039 product carve-outs, 178 Section 301 exclusions extended to November, and a growing advocacy push for SMB relief, there are ways to reduce your tariff burden.
CAPE Portal (Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries)
CAPE (Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries) is CBP's new system for processing IEEPA tariff refunds, consolidating 53 million entries into aggregated payments per importer.
Section 301 Tariff Exclusion
A Section 301 tariff exclusion removes Section 301 duties on specific Chinese imports. 178 product exclusions are active through November 10, 2026, claimed via specific HTS subheadings on entry summaries.
Tariff Stacking
Tariff stacking occurs when multiple tariff programs apply simultaneously to the same import. For Chinese goods in 2026, the combined rate from general duties, Section 301, Section 122, and Section 232 can exceed 65%.
ACE Portal (Automated Commercial Environment)
ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) is CBP's web-based system for electronic import/export filing, duty payment, and cargo tracking. It is required for receiving IEEPA tariff refunds in 2026.
IEEPA Tariff Refunds: The CAPE Portal Step-by-Step Guide for Importers
CBP is building the CAPE portal to process $166B in IEEPA tariff refunds across 53M entries. Here's your step-by-step guide to preparing documentation, registering for ACE, and filing claims.
The End of De Minimis: What Every Ecommerce Seller Needs to Know in 2026
The U.S. suspended the $800 de minimis threshold on August 29, 2025. Every ecommerce package now faces customs duties. Here's what sellers need to know and how to adapt.
Section 301 Tariffs on China: Complete 2026 Rate Guide (Updated March 2026)
Section 301 tariffs on China range from 7.5% to 100% and stack with Section 122, Section 232, and base duties. Here's the complete 2026 rate guide with exclusions, stacking tables, and strategies.
EU-US Trade Deal: What the 15% Tariff Cap Means for American Businesses
The EU Parliament votes March 26 on ratifying the EU-US trade agreement. If approved, tariffs on EU goods cap at 15%. If rejected, rates could hit 25%+. Here's what businesses need to know.