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Showing posts with the label Customs Broker

White House Delaying Tariffs

An announcement from President Trump has led to the White House delaying tariffs until 2027. In particular, Trump is postponing planned tariff hikes on imported furniture products for one year. Some of these products include upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and vanities. In September 2025, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on these goods and planned to raise it to 50% in 2026. The White House recently signed an order postponing the increase, which took effect on January 1, 2026. This delay is part of a rollercoaster of   tariff enforcement   and reversals that has impacted the US in 2025. Why Is The White House delaying tariffs? The decision to delay a tariff increase follows the Trump Administration’s announcement of ongoing positive negotiations with trade partners. A significant issue was national security concerns related to the importation of wood products. The president initially imposed the 25% tariffs after a Section 232 investigation found that an overreliance on for...

Importing Machinery Into The US

  Despite its use across industries, there are several aspects shippers should understand when importing machinery into the US. CBP defines machinery as mechanical equipment that performs a specific function, including equipment used in commercial, industrial, and agricultural operations. Machines also have moving parts to produce, process, or transport goods. Examples include construction equipment, robotics, and electric generators. Cargo such as raw materials, hand tools, and individual spare parts is not classified as machinery by CBP. Due to the number of items that shippers can classify as machines, importing these goods may sometimes be challenging. This article explains the importation process for machines like heavy equipment and what to expect when starting. What Should You Know Before Importing Machinery Into The US When deciding whether to import, it is essential to understand the type of machinery you are bringing in. Laws and regulations for importing can vary by mach...

US Cutting Tariffs On 200+ Items

  An executive order signed by President Trump on Friday, November 14, has the US cutting Tariffs on 200+ Items. More specifically, the levies that Trump placed on over 200 classifications and eleven categories of agricultural products are now exempt. Some of these food products include beef, coffee, avocados, cashew nuts, tomatoes, and more.  On April 5, 2025, Trump began enforcing a 10% baseline tax on all imports into the US.  He imposed them under the IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) declaring it a national emergency. The recent order will remove specific agricultural goods from the reciprocal tariffs. This article explains the purpose of the exemption and what it will mean for international shipping. Why is the US Exempting Tariffs On Agricultural Products? President Trump’s main reason for the tariff rollback is the administration’s progress on numerous trade deals. Since imposing tariffs, the US has reached “framework” deals with agricultu...

IEEPA Tariffs Impacting Small Importers

  While less talked about than large corporations importing into the US, shippers have seen the IEEPA tariffs impact small importers. Smaller and mid-sized importers like mom-and-pop stores have suffered significantly from President Trump’s IEEPA taxes. Earlier this year, Trump used the IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) to impose reciprocal levies for most US importers.  After an appeals court ruled the levies Illegal, the Supreme Court agreed to hear the case on an expedited schedule.  With the case going to the Supreme Court next month, smaller importers have a high level of uncertainty. This article will explain the potential impact on smaller importers and how to protect their cargo during this time. How Are The IEEPA Tariffs Impacting Small Importers? The impact of Trump’s IEEPA tariffs on small to mid-sized importers may depend on the Supreme Court’s final ruling.  Shippers could be eligible for a refund if the court decides the tariffs are il...

The Government Shutdown Begins

  Shippers that bring goods into and out of the US could soon feel the effect as the government shutdown begins. On October 1, Congress disagreed on an operations funding bill, leading to the US government shutting down. When this happens, it can cause widespread disruptions for Americans and the economy in numerous ways. Along with impacting different sectors, a shutdown would directly impact international and domestic shipping. For example, it will affect the CBP (Customs and Border Protection), part of the Department of Homeland Security. This article will explain the impact of a government shutdown on cargo movement and how to protect your shipment. What Can International Shipping Expect as the Government Shutdown Begins? One of the most significant effects of a government shutdown on international shipping is increased delays. When this happens, the government will furlough or send home up to 750,000 federal workers without pay. While CBP officials are “essential,” ports will ...