Tariff & Trade Insights
Expert analysis on U.S. tariff policy, HS code classification, landed cost calculations, and trade compliance strategies for importers.
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.
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.
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%.
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 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.
Trade Remedy (Antidumping & Countervailing Duties)
Trade remedies — antidumping duties (AD) and countervailing duties (CVD) — are additional tariffs imposed to offset unfair foreign trade practices like dumping and government subsidies.
Reliquidation
Reliquidation is the process by which CBP reopens a finalized import entry to correct the duty amount. It is the legal mechanism for the $166 billion IEEPA tariff refund following the Supreme Court ruling.
Section 232 (National Security Tariffs)
Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 authorizes tariffs on imports threatening national security. The 25% steel and aluminum tariffs have been in effect since 2018 with no expiration date.
Most Favored Nation (MFN) Rate
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is the standard tariff rate applied to imports from WTO members. It is the baseline on which Section 301, Section 232, and Section 122 tariffs are stacked.
Bonded Warehouse
A bonded warehouse is a CBP-authorized facility where imported goods can be stored without paying duties for up to 5 years. With tariff rates at historic highs, bonded warehouses offer cash flow and rate arbitrage advantages.
Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ)
A tariff rate quota (TRQ) is a two-tier duty system with low in-quota rates and high over-quota rates. Used primarily for agricultural products, TRQs can mean the difference between 2% and 65% duties.
Customs Bond
A customs bond is a required financial guarantee to CBP that you'll pay all import duties and fees. With tariff rates at historic highs in 2026, bond requirements and costs have increased.