Tariff & Trade Insights
Expert analysis on U.S. tariff policy, HS code classification, landed cost calculations, and trade compliance strategies for importers.
China Tariff Rates 2026: The Complete Breakdown of Every Duty Layer
Chinese imports face stacked tariffs from 5 different programs, pushing effective rates to 30-70% or higher. Here's the complete breakdown of every duty layer with calculation examples.
Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells: Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Import Relief
The Section 201 safeguard tariffs on solar panels expired February 6, 2026, but other duties may still apply. Here's what solar importers need to know about the USITC review and their current tariff obligations.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fitch Flags Tariff Risk: What Credit Downgrades Mean for SMB Borrowing Costs
Fitch Ratings flagged tariff uncertainty as a major credit risk — and the downstream effects on SMB borrowing are real. Here's how credit downgrades affect your loan rates and what to do about it.
India Pauses U.S. Trade Deal: What It Means for Sourcing from South Asia
India is waiting for the U.S. to finalize its tariff framework before signing a trade deal. Here's what it means for SMBs considering India and South Asia as China sourcing alternatives.
Canada's Dollar-for-Dollar Retaliation: What Cross-Border SMBs Need to Know
Canada is matching U.S. tariffs dollar-for-dollar and proposing a one-for-one auto rule. Here's what American SMBs trading across the border need to know about the impact on exports, imports, and USMCA.