Tariff Changes Take Effect: US Expands Trade Duties on Key Imports.

4 March 2025•Article

The US implements significant tariff increases on imports from Canada, Mexico, China, and beyond, as President Trump enforces stricter trade policies.

The US implements significant tariff increases on imports from Canada, Mexico, China, and beyond, as President Trump enforces stricter trade policies. Starting March 4th, new and increased duties will impact Chinese imports and a range of goods, including steel, aluminum. Meanwhile, trade agreements with key partners face cancellation.

Here’s a breakdown of the latest updates and their potential impact on global trade.

Tariffs:

The 30-day pause on 25% tariffs for Canadian and Mexican imports expired today, March 4th, with Trump confirming their enforcement citing concerns over illegal migration and drug trafficking. Trump also announced a 10% tariff hike on Chinese imports, effective March 4th, though books will remain exempt under HTS code 9903.01.22, meaning their duty rate remains where it was throughout 2024. The de minimus programme for low value entries remains in place for now whilst US Customs and Border Protection look to implement a system to collect duties on these items.
Additionally, a 25% tariff will apply to all steel and aluminum imports from any country, with higher rates for Turkey (50%) and Russia (200%).

All pre-existing trade agreements for these products with countries including Australia, the EU and UK will be cancelled effective 12th March.

The US Trade Representative is seeking public input on unfair trade practices. This comment period closes on March 11th before the USTR is due to report their findings to the President on April 1st 2025.

Federal Staff Cuts:

The new administration’s policies do not only impact imports. Large-scale federal layoffs impacting staff at the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), the US Commercial Service, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Department of Agriculture (USDA) may also delay processes and inspections involved in granting licences and regulatory approval for exports out of the US.

US Port Fees for Chinese Ships :

The US Trade Representative has proposed a $1m fee per port call at US ports for all Chinese made ships. A smaller fee will be charged for ships owned by a company that owns any Chinese made ships, even if the one in question was made elsewhere.
Carriers may look to increase calls at Canadian ports, but the rail routes into the US from these terminals are currently over capacity.
The USTR is welcoming public comments until March 24th.

Timber, Lumber and Copper – a national security threat?

Two executive orders have called for specific investigations into the supply chains of timber, lumber and copper. President Trump has outlined the importance of these resources to the “national security, economic strength, and industrial resilience” of the US.

Woodland Group will work to provide the latest updates and guidance on how to best mitigate effects of these regulatory changes.

Should you have any further questions about your supply chain, or if you’d like to review any part of your classification strategy, or discuss the updated tariffs, please contact us here.