Key trade and tariff policy shifts to watch
U.S. reciprocal tariff changes
The White House has extended the 90-day reduction of reciprocal tariffs to August 1. Baseline duty rates on imports from all countries will for now remain at 10%, except for the UK, Mexico, Canada, and China. This move delays higher reciprocal tariffs that were scheduled to resume on July 9.
If trade deals with the United States aren’t reached by the new deadline, on August 2 reciprocal duty rates on goods from most countries are scheduled to revert to April 2 levels. More than 20 countries—including South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia—received letters with new tariff rates ranging as high as 50%. The letters left open the possibility that tariffs could be further negotiated.
The frameworks of deals with several countries are expected soon, though there’s often a lag between announcements and full implementation. For example, a deal with the UK was announced May 7 but implemented July 2. Details on an agreement with Vietnam are still pending.
Here’s a summary of tariff-related dates to watch:
- July 31: Oral arguments are scheduled in an appeals court case challenging the U.S. president’s authority to use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs
- August 1: End of reduced reciprocal tariffs on goods from most countries
- August 12: End of 90-day window for lower reciprocal tariffs on imports from China
- Mid to late August: Decision expected in the appeals court case
- Late July through October: Potential hearings, reports and duties determined for copper, lumber, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, commercial trucks and parts, critical minerals, and aerospace.
With the ever-changing tariff landscape, C.H. Robinson has developed a U.S. Tariff Impact Analysis Tool for our customers, which enables shippers to navigate market volatility and optimize their strategies by assessing their tariff exposure under different scenarios. Tariff policies are updated daily, allowing C.H. Robinson customers to view real-time policy impacts.
Congress passes bill that formally ends de minimis in 2027
While an executive order by the U.S. president has already ended de minimis duty-free shipping on goods of Chinese and Hong Kong origin, the House of Representatives has passed a bill that ends de minimis eligibility for all e-commerce beginning July 1, 2027. All commercial shipments, regardless of value, will be subject to customs duties and inspections.
A new forced labor allegation portal
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has deployed a portal where forced labor allegations can be submitted. Allegations may be submitted anonymously, and users will be able to view and upload supporting documents. Guides on how to use the portal, as well as an instructional video, can be found at Forced Labor | U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Interest rates for late payments and refunds to remain the same
For the quarter beginning July 1, the interest rates on overdue customs duties (underpayments) and refunds (overpayments) will remain the same as the previous quarter. The interest rates for underpayments will be 7% for both corporations and non-corporations. The interest rate for overpayments will be 7% for non-corporations and 6% for corporations.
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