Ongoing shifts in U.S. trade policy continue to impact importers across industries. Below is a summary of the most significant developments and practical steps your team can take to stay compliant and informed—with support from your partners at Imperative.
- Reciprocal Tariffs Temporarily Suspended: Most newly announced reciprocal tariffs have been paused through early July to allow for international negotiations. The elevated 125% tariff on Chinese goods, however, remains in effect.
- Automotive Tariffs in Effect: A 25% tariff on imported automobiles began April 3rd, with additional duties on auto parts scheduled to take effect May 3rd under Section 232.
- Transit Exemptions Still Available: Goods in transit before April 5 or 9 may qualify for tariff exemptions—if entered by May 27 and backed by proper documentation. New Legal & Trade Reactions: U.S. multinationals are expanding hedging strategies to manage tariff-related volatility, while legal challenges to recent trade measures are beginning to gain traction.
How You Can Prepare and Stay Compliant
To manage risk and optimize your import operations, we recommend the following actions:
- Check Classifications & Entry Dates: Ensure HTS codes are accurate and entries meet exemption deadlines. We can assist with CBP documentation reviews and tariff assessments.
- Document Changes with Care: Any updates to country of origin, value, or classification should be well-supported. Ask us about binding rulings or prior disclosures to safeguard compliance.
- Evaluate Sourcing and Shipping Plans: Given ongoing tariff sensitivity—especially in automotive, energy, and critical materials—work with our team to explore alternative sourcing and logistics strategies.
If you have questions or need support reviewing your product classifications, entry documents, or sourcing plans, please reach out to your account representative—and for more details, you can also view the latest Tariff Fact Sheet and Reciprocal Tariff List.
Christophe Esayian, Director of Compliance at Imperative Logistics Group, joined Congresswoman Maxine Dexter and other Oregon trade leaders at the Portland Metro Chamber’s Trade & Tariffs in 2025 discussion. In this insightful panel, Christophe breaks down the evolving regulatory landscape—including stacking tariffs, sectoral impacts, and the importance of broker collaboration—and offers practical strategies for navigating uncertainty in today’s global trade environment. Watch Trade & Tariffs in 2025 Panel Discussion
The ongoing trade war has led to increased blank sailings, particularly on routes from Asia to North America, as shipping carriers grapple with uncertainty. Despite the turmoil, U.S. container imports surged in March, likely due to stockpiling ahead of tariff hikes.
China has ceased exports of seven heavy rare earth metals and magnets, materials crucial for U.S. industries like technology, electric vehicles, aerospace, and defense. Importers relying on these inputs should review current suppliers, assess alternative sourcing options, and ensure accurate classification to avoid delays or compliance issues.
Recent rainfall has modestly increased water levels in Germany’s Rhine River, a critical artery for transporting commodities like grains, minerals, and oil products. However, the river remains too shallow for full-capacity shipping, particularly south of Duisburg and Cologne.
To help mitigate ongoing transit delays driven by drought-related capacity limits, the Panama Canal Authority expanded its Long-Term Slot Allocation system. The update allows shippers to secure transit slots up to a year in advance, offering greater predictability and planning flexibility for global supply chains.
Transatlantic trade between the EU and the U.S. remains robust, with total goods trade reaching record levels in 2024. The EU and U.S. are currently negotiating new trade terms following recent U.S. tariffs on European imports, with a 90-day suspension in place to allow discussions. The EU has proposed a “zero-for-zero” tariff agreement on industrial goods, though the U.S. has not yet agreed.
The European Union’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) will extend its Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) requirements to include road and rail carriers. Economic operators must ensure compliance by submitting complete ENS data prior to the arrival of goods in the EU, enhancing the EU’s ability to assess risks and secure its borders. Economic operators must ensure compliance by submitting complete ENS data prior to the arrival of goods in the EU, enhancing the EU’s ability to assess risks and secure its borders.
Air cargo markets in Shanghai, Qingdao, and Hong Kong are experiencing ongoing disruptions due to U.S. tariff policies, with many shipments suspended, rates fluctuating, and customers delaying or canceling orders. To avoid delays and secure the most favorable rates, shippers should provide detailed cargo information early and work closely with their account manager to assess available options.
