Member DashboardTrump administration adjusts Section 232 tariffs
Effective June 8, the administration adjusted certain Section 232 tariffs on imported steel, aluminum and copper “to more effectively address national security threats; spur investment in American agriculture, housing and manufacturing; and facilitate U.S. production of related products.”
- The 15% tariff on industrial equipment was expanded to include mobile industrial equipment, like bulldozers and forklifts, when imported from trade-deal countries that are entitled to such treatment.
- Foreign companies are encouraged to use more U.S. steel and aluminum by allowing them to qualify for a 10% duty rate, if their capital equipment includes at least 85% U.S. melted and poured or smelted and cast steel or aluminum by weight.
- Tariffs on agricultural equipment, like combines and harvesters, were lowered from 25% to 15%.
The tariff changes are temporary, lasting until December 31, 2027, and are intended to encourage near–term investments to help rebuild the nation’s industrial base. A fact sheet includes more information.
USTR targets forced labor trade gaps with additional tariffs
The USTR concluded its Section 301 unfair trade practices investigations into the use of forced labor by 60 countries. Based on the findings, USTR proposes tariffs of 10-12.5% on imports from the following countries. Comments are due July 6 and a hearing is scheduled for July 7.
- 6 countries with prohibitions but failed enforcement would receive 10% tariffs: Canada, Ecuador, the European Union, Indonesia, Mexico, and Pakistan
- 54 countries that failed to impose and effectively enforce prohibitions on forced labor would receive 12.5% tariffs, including: Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Australia, the Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Peru, the Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Venezuela and Vietnam.
USTR opens Vietnam investigation
The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) opened a Section 301 investigation into Vietnam’s inadequate intellectual property protection and enforcement. USTR is seeking input by July 2 regarding acts, policies and practices related to a lack of adequate and effective protection of IP rights and the denial of fair and equitable market access. Public hearing details have not been announced.
USTR concludes Brazil investigation; Seeks input:
The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) completed its Section 301 investigation and determined that certain Brazilian policies and practices – including those related to digital trade and electronic payments, preferential tariffs, anti-corruption enforcement, intellectual property protection, ethanol market access, and illegal deforestation – unfairly burden or restrict U.S. commerce. USTR is proposing potential actions, including tariffs on Brazilian imports, and is seeking stakeholder feedback through comments due by July 1 and a public hearing scheduled for July 6.
IEEPA refunds flowing
The IEEPA tariff refunds claim portal is active, processing nearly $40 billion in refunds. Phase One includes certain unliquidated entries and entries within 80 days of liquidation. Refund payments are taking approximately 45-60 days to process. Some refunds are being paid sooner and in parts. See Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) overview and FAQs for filing information.
Other tariff-related news:
- The application of tariffs to low value de minimis imports of less than $800 is under appeal.
- The Court of International Trade (CIT) issued a permanent injunction against the 10% Section 122 tariffs. However, it only applies to the plaintiffs; the government may continue collecting the 10% tariffs from nonplaintiff importers.
Section 122 tariffs are set to expire July 24. The Trump administration is expected to announce new tariffs before this date.