Tariff & Trade Insights

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

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

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

Textile and Apparel Tariffs: A Guide for Fashion Importers

Textile and apparel products face some of the highest U.S. import duties, with rates ranging from 10% to 32% depending on fiber content, construction method, and country of origin. These goods are classified under HS Chapters 50-63 and are subject to complex rules of origin, particularly under the U

EU Tariff Guide: How European Import Duties Affect U.S. Trade

The European Union applies a Common External Tariff (CET) averaging 5.1% on imports from non-EU countries, including the United States, though rates vary from 0% to over 20% depending on the product category . U.S. exporters face additional retaliatory tariffs on approximately $4 billion in goods fo

Automotive Parts Tariffs: Section 232 and Beyond

U.S. automotive parts face multiple tariff layers including Section 232 national security tariffs on steel and aluminum (25% and 10% respectively), potential Section 232 auto tariffs (25% threatened but not implemented as of 2024), and complex USMCA rules requiring 75% regional value content for dut

What Is Landed Cost? How to Calculate Your True Import Costs

Landed cost is the total price of a product after it arrives at your door — including the purchase price, shipping, insurance, customs duties, taxes, and all other fees incurred during international shipping. Understanding your true landed cost is critical for pricing products correctly, maintaining

Reciprocal Tariffs Explained: Country-by-Country Rates Guide (2026)

Reciprocal tariffs are additional import duties imposed by the U.S. on countries that maintain higher tariff rates on American goods than the U.S. charges on their exports. These tariffs aim to create parity in trade relationships and can stack on top of existing Section 301 and Section 232 duties,

Importing from China in 2025-2026: Tariff Rates, Risks, and Alternatives

U.S. importers face a complex tariff landscape when sourcing from China in 2025-2026, with combined duty rates ranging from 25% to 145% depending on product category due to base MFN duties, Section 301 tariffs, and new reciprocal tariffs. Most consumer goods, electronics, and industrial products now

Electronics Import Tariffs & HS Codes: Complete Rate Guide (2026)

Importing electronics into the United States requires navigating a complex landscape of tariff codes and duty rates that vary widely by product type. Most consumer electronics fall under HS Chapters 84 and 85, with duty rates ranging from 0% for certain Information Technology Agreement (ITA) items t

What Is an HS Code? Complete Classification Guide for Importers (2026)

An HS code is a standardized international product classification number that determines customs duties, import requirements, and trade regulations.

HS Code (Harmonized System Code)