Tariff & Trade Insights
Expert analysis on U.S. tariff policy, HS code classification, landed cost calculations, and trade compliance strategies for importers.
Broker Filed CAPE Without You? How to Reclaim the Refund
Customs brokers are filing CAPE Declarations on behalf of importers — sometimes without explicit consent — and taking 3–10% contingency fees on the refund. This guide explains how to detect an unauthorized filing, when a 5% fee is enforceable, and the three options for reclaiming refund routing.
Section 122 Struck Down — Why Most Importers Still Pay
On May 7, 2026, the Court of International Trade ruled Section 122 unlawful — but the permanent injunction only protects three plaintiffs. Every other U.S. importer is still paying the 15% surcharge. This guide explains the ruling, the DOJ appeal, and four realistic paths for non-plaintiff importers
Commerce Finds Brazilian Aluminum Foil Dumped Below Fair Value
The Department of Commerce preliminarily determined that certain aluminum foil from Brazil was sold in the U.S. below normal value during the November 2023-October 2024 review period, potentially triggering duty rate changes for importers.
U.S. Hits Chinese Wood Mouldings With Subsidy Duties
The U.S. Department of Commerce preliminarily found that Chinese wood mouldings manufacturers received countervailable subsidies during 2024, potentially increasing costs for U.S. importers of trim, baseboards, and millwork products.
South Korea Steel Plate Dumping Duties Finalized
The Department of Commerce has finalized antidumping duty rates for cut-to-length carbon steel plate from South Korea covering February 2024-January 2025, with significant cost implications for U.S. importers of construction and industrial steel.
ITC Bans Photodynamic Therapy Devices from Import
The ITC issued an exclusion order blocking imports of certain photodynamic therapy systems and components that infringe U.S. patents. Medical device importers must verify suppliers immediately to avoid CBP detention and seizure.
Why Your CAPE Filing Got Rejected: An IEEPA Refund Troubleshooting Guide
CAPE Declaration rejected? Most fall into 7 known errors: missing IEEPA Chapter 99 codes, ACH enrollment gaps, duplicate entries, outside-window liquidations, malformed CSV headers, liquidation status mismatches, and 9,999-entry overflow. Here's the per-error fix.
Continuous vs. Single-Entry Customs Bond: Which One Should You Buy in 2026?
Continuous customs bonds cost $400–$700/year and cover all shipments. Single-entry bonds cost $50–$150 per shipment. Break-even is ~3 shipments/year — but Section 232 derivatives are forcing many importers to resize. Here's the 2026 decision guide.
Is Your Product Subject to the New Section 232 Derivative Tariff? A 5-Step Decision Guide (April 2026)
The April 6, 2026 Section 232 derivative rule applies duties on the full customs value of products containing steel, aluminum, or copper. Run your product through this 5-step decision tree to find your rate, qualify for the 10% U.S.-metal reduced rate, and avoid liquidated damages.
Final Phase of Countervailing Duty and Antidumping Duty Investigations
The USITC has scheduled final antidumping and countervailing duty investigations on oleoresin paprika from India, potentially adding 15-75% duties on this essential food ingredient classified under HTS 3203.00.80 and 3301.90.10.
Why Small Businesses Are Being Left Out of IEEPA Refunds (and How to Fix It)
SMBs paid the duties but are disproportionately locked out of IEEPA refunds. The fix is operational, not legislative. Here's the 3-step playbook to stay in the refund game before May 2026.
CAPE Portal Phase 1 Launch Readiness: What Importers Must Do Before April 20, 2026
The CAPE portal goes live April 20, 2026. If your ACE account, ACH details, and broker coordination aren't in place by April 19, you won't get a refund on day one. Here's the operational readiness checklist.