Tariff & Trade Insights
Expert analysis on U.S. tariff policy, HS code classification, landed cost calculations, and trade compliance strategies for importers.
Ad Valorem vs. Specific Tariffs: What Importers Need to Know
Tariffs are calculated in two primary ways: ad valorem (based on product value) or specific (based on quantity). Ad valorem tariffs apply a percentage to your goods' value (e.g., 10% of a $1,000 shipment = $100 duty), while specific tariffs charge a fixed amount per unit (e.g., $0.50 per kilogram re
USMCA vs. NAFTA: How the New Trade Agreement Affects Tariffs
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) replaced NAFTA on July 1, 2020, bringing significant changes to tariff-free trade rules, particularly stricter automotive requirements and higher de minimis thresholds. While both agreements eliminate tariffs on qualifying goods traded between the th
Section 232 Steel and Aluminum Tariffs: Current Rates and Impact
The U.S. imposes a 25% tariff on steel imports and a 10% tariff on aluminum imports under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, affecting billions of dollars in trade annually. These tariffs, implemented in March 2018 citing national security concerns, apply to most countries except those