Tariff & Trade Insights
Expert analysis on U.S. tariff policy, HS code classification, landed cost calculations, and trade compliance strategies for importers.
USTR Opens New Section 301 Investigations: Overcapacity & Forced Labor (2026)
USTR launched new Section 301 investigations into industrial overcapacity and forced labor on March 11–12, 2026. Here is what SMB importers need to know about the product categories at risk and how to prepare.
IEEPA Tariff Refund Tracker: CAPE Portal Status & Timeline (2026)
A living tracker of the CAPE/IEEPA tariff-refund process: current CBP refund totals, Phase 1 vs Phase 2 status, the Court of International Trade proceedings and June 9 hearing, the DOJ appeal, and the steps importers should take this month.
HS 8708 Auto Parts: China Export License & 2026 US Tariffs
Every HTSUS 8708 subheading with current 2026 tariff rates, Section 232 derivative treatment, USMCA preferences, and the China export license catalogue impact on auto parts sourcing.
Section 232 Steel & Aluminum Tariffs: 2026 Status by Country
Updated April 2026: the White House revised Section 232 again. Many primary steel, aluminum, and copper articles move to 50% effective April 6, 2026, with many derivatives at 25%.
What Customs Bond Do I Need? Types, Amounts & 2026 Cost
Complete guide to US customs bonds for importers: single entry vs. continuous bonds, cost breakdowns, CBP requirements under 19 CFR 113, and how to avoid common bonding mistakes.
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.
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.
How to File an IEEPA Tariff Refund via CAPE Portal (2026)
CAPE Phase 1 went live on April 20, 2026. Here's the step-by-step guide to logging into ACE, confirming ACH details, uploading entry data, and submitting your IEEPA refund claim.
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.
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.
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.