Compliance Updates as of August 1, 2025

Client Update: Tariff Changes and New Trade Developments

 (Effective August 1, 2025)

 

Canada – IEEPA-Fentanyl Tariff Increase

On July 31, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order amending EO 14193 (Feb 1, 2025), raising the tariff on non‑USMCA Canadian goods from 25% to 35%, citing Canada’s insufficient action on fentanyl trafficking. USMCA-compliant Canadian goods remain exempt. Effective as of August 1, 2025.

HTS Chapter 99 Subheadings – Canada:

Canadian origin, non‑USMCA eligible: 9903.01.10 + 35%

CBP determines transshipment occurred: 9903.01.16 + 40%

Valid USMCA claim: 9903.01.26 0%

*Transit exemption: Shipments loaded onto their final transport mode before Aug 1 and entered by Oct 5, 2025, are exempt from the 35% and 40% duties.

 

Copper Content Duties (Effective August 6, 2025)

Presidential Proclamation

Customs CSMS # 65794272 Guidance 

  •  A 50% duty on copper-containing articles applies only to the copper content beginning August 1, 2025.

  • Any non‑copper portion is subject to country‑specific IEEPA-Reciprocal duties.

  • Copper value should be reported per the Customs Valuation Agreement (19 U.S.C. § 1401a)—typically, the invoiced amount paid specifically for copper.

Brazil – Additional Tariff (Effective August 7, 2025)

  • A separate Executive Order imposes an additional 40% ad valorem tariff on most imports from Brazil, resulting in a total reciprocal duty of 50%. Effective for goods entered on or after August 6, 2025.

  • Exceptions include:

  • Products listed in Annex I

  • Shipments in transit before the effective date and entered by October 5, 2025

  • Items exempt under 50 U.S.C. § 1702(b) (national security provisions).

  • The U.S. Trade Representative has also launched a Section 301 investigation into Brazil, addressing digital trade, IP, ethanol access, and environmental concerns.

IEEPA Reciprocal Tariffs – Executive Order Highlights

The “Further Modifying the Reciprocal Tariff Rates” Executive Order signed July 31, 2025, institutes country-specific reciprocal tariffs for approximately 70 trading partners, effective August 7, 2025. Rates range from a 10% baseline up to 41%.

  • Annex I of the EO lists each partner country and its assigned rate (e.g., India ~25%, Switzerland ~39%, South Africa ~30%, UK ~10%, Taiwan/Vietnam ~20%).

  • *EU-specific rule: For EU-origin goods:

  • If Column 1 duty rate ≥ 15% → 0% additional reciprocal duty

  • If Column 1 duty rate < 15% → additional duty = (15% − Column 1 rate)

  • Countries not listed in Annex I default to a 10% baseline reciprocal tariff.

 

Trade Talks – U.S. & Mexico Extended 90-days

  • Trade negotiations with Mexico have been extended by 90 days beyond the original August 1 deadline.

  • During this period, Mexico continues to pay:

  • 25% tariff on fentanyl-related items

  • 25% tariff on passenger vehicles

  • 50% tariff on steel, aluminum, and copper

  • 10% tariff on all other goods for their IEEPA-Reciprocal rate

  • Mexico has agreed to remove certain non-tariff trade barriers. A finalized agreement is expected within the extended period.

For assistance and additional questions, please reach out to Janel Group's Compliance Team or a Janel Group Representative.

Sean McClung

Director of Trade Compliance

Jodi Blitz

Senior Compliance Analyst