Tag: china

Reciprocal Tariffs; April 9 Update

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs went into effect on April 5 at the rate of 10%, and increased for many countries to country-specific rates on April 9th at 12:01am. See Reciprocal Tariffs; Day Zero for details.

What reciprocal tariff rate applies to China?

On April 8th, President Trump increased the reciprocal rate on China from 34% to 84% (a 50% increase) [source]. On April 9, on Truth Social, Trump announced an increase “up to 125%” on China:

Presumably, this is an increase from 84% to %125 (or a 41% increase), on the reciprocal tariff only, but it is uncertain at the moment due to lack of the text of an executive order.

APRIL 10 UPDATE:

Executive Order – MODIFYING RECIPROCAL TARIFF RATES TO REFLECT TRADING PARTNER RETALIATION AND ALIGNMENT

The order is effective midnight, April 10, 2025, meaning it is currently in effect.

What reciprocal tariff rate applies to other countries?

For all other countries subject to a country-specific rate above the 10% baseline reciprocal tariff, Trump “paused” implementation for 90 days (July 9, 2025). This leaves a 10% tariff in effect for most countries, in addition to any existing tariff or duties that otherwise apply, including any tariffs on steel, aluminum, automobiles, automobile parts, AD/CVD, etc, etc.

Tariff questions?

Do you have questions about the tariffs? We have answers for you. Great Lakes Customs Law has been advising importers for more than 15 years. Call us at (734) 855-4999 or fill out the form below:

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Last updated: April 10, 2025 at 11:06 am

End of De Minimis Exception for China

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

Goods shipped valued at under $800 have been exempt from duties from China in certain cases, which was has continued to be big loophole around the Section 301 duties and new IEEPA duties. Those days are over, as of May 2, 2025, low value shipments previously exempt are no longer. The executive order is here:

Further Amendment to Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China as Applied to Low-Value Imports

There is also a “Fact Sheet“.

Stay Informed and Prepared:

The landscape of international trade is shifting rapidly with the reciprocal tariffs on many countries, and sector specifc tariffs such as automotive and metals. Don’t be caught off guard.

Contact Great Lakes Customs for advice and assistance. If you have questions or need help navigating these changes, we’re here to support you.

Last updated: April 2, 2025 at 20:15 pm
President Trump signs proclamation imposing tariffs on imported steel and aluminum

Trump rachets up China tariff to 20%

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

By means of Executive Order, President Trump has increased the recently imposed additional 10% tariff on goods originating from China to 20%. The change is effective as of March 4, 2025.

You can read it here: Implementation of Additional Duties on Products of the People’s Republic of China Pursuant to the President’s Executive Order 14195, Imposing Duties to Address the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China

THESE TARIFFS ARE IN ADDITION TO THE SECTION 301 TARIFFS WHICH RANGE FROM 7.5% TO 25%.

So if your business has been paying 25% tariff on China originating goods, it would now be 45%.

He previously promised these tariffs, which I blogged about (briefly) here.

De Minimis Changes Taking Effect

As of April 2, 2025, the de minimis except for shipments under $800 as disappearing as to China, by virtue of the following executive order:

Further Amendment to Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China as Applied to Low-Value Imports

The de minimis exception expires on May 2, 2025, on which date duties will be required for these entries.

Stay Informed and Prepared:

The landscape of international trade is shifting rapidly with the impending Trump tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico and on steel, aluminum, and copper, and so much more. Don’t be caught off guard.

Contact Great Lakes Customs for advice and assistance. If you have questions or need help navigating these changes, we’re here to support you.

Last updated: April 2, 2025 at 20:11 pm
Today, I have implemented a 25% Tariff on Imports from Mexico and Canada (10% on Canadian Energy), and a 10% additional Tariff on China. This was done through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) because of the major threat of illegal aliens and deadly drugs killing our Citizens, including fentanyl. We need to protect Americans, and it is my duty as President to ensure the safety of all. I made a promise on my Campaign to stop the flood of illegal aliens and drugs from pouring across our Borders, and Americans overwhelmingly voted in favor of it.

President Trump increases tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

Last updated: February 11, 2025 at 14:38 pm

UPDATE: China tariffs of 10% have been imposed (and de minimis is duty free for a limited time), however, Canada and Mexico tariffs have been paused until March 4, 2025. Links have been supplemented, but the text of this blog post will remain unchanged. Look for future updates in new posts/articles on the site.

The following post by President Trump increasing tariffs on Canada, China, and Mexcio speaks for itself (source):

Today, I have implemented a 25% Tariff on Imports from Mexico and Canada (10% on Canadian Energy), and a 10% additional Tariff on China. This was done through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) because of the major threat of illegal aliens and deadly drugs killing our Citizens, including fentanyl. We need to protect Americans, and it is my duty as President to ensure the safety of all. I made a promise on my Campaign to stop the flood of illegal aliens and drugs from pouring across our Borders, and Americans overwhelmingly voted in favor of it.

Everyone should have expected this. It has been telegraphed by Trump for about 10 years, when he began to make tariffs a signature proposal in his first run for the White House. His first term in office saw an unprecedented shift in the use of tariffs, using them on a broad scale, for the first time with China. As he said, if COVID didn’t happen, he would have done more.

With that in mind, before Trump’s second inauguration, we wrote on article on the potential Trump tariffs and some strategies.

Last week, we commented on the America First Trump’s America First Trade Policy Executive Order which appeared to give time until at least April 1 for tariffs to take effect. Then, this week we got a firmer signal that that he still planned to impose additional tariffs on February 1.

What happens next for the Trump Tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico?

The text of all the Executive Orders do not yet appear to be on Whitehouse.gov (but a fact sheet summary is), but linked below are reliable texts:

Each order applies the additional tariffs after “on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 4, 2025, except that goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, after such time that were loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading or in transit on the final mode of transport prior to entry into the United States before 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 1, 2025, shall not be subject to such additional duty, only if the importer certifies to U.S. Customs and Border Protection within the Department of Homeland Security as specified in the Federal Register notice.”

Stay Informed and Prepared:

The landscape of international trade is shifting rapidly with the impending Trump tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico. Don’t be caught off guard.

Contact Great Lakes Customs for advice and assistance. If you have questions or need help navigating these changes, we’re here to support you.

 

Trump’s “America First Trade Policy” Executive Order

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

President Trump has signed an executive order entitled “America First Trade Policy,” which requires various departments and the USTR to present him with a report on trade actions by April 1, 2025 (and April 30, 2025).

What is in Trump’s America First Trade Policy Executive Order?

The order makes mention of the following priorities for the Trump administration relative to customs, trade, and tariff issues:

  • Investigate and address the causes of large trade deficits, unfair trade practices, and economic security risks.
  • Explore the feasibility of establishing an External Revenue Service to collect tariffs and duties.
  • Assess and counteract currency manipulation by trading partners.
  • Review the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and its impact on American workers and businesses.
  • Review and address trade practices and agreements with China, including intellectual property rights and tariffs.
  • Conduct a review of the U.S. industrial and manufacturing base to address national security threats.
  • Assess and improve export control systems to prevent the transfer of strategic goods to adversaries.
  • Address the impact of foreign government subsidies on U.S. federal procurement programs.
  • Assess and recommend measures to address unlawful migration and fentanyl flows from Canada, Mexico, and China.

Interestingly, the order directs the USTR to “consider potential additional tariff modifications as needed under section 2411 of title 19, United States Code [19 USC 2411] — particularly with respect to industrial supply chains and circumvention through third countries”.

What Does the Executive Order Tell us About Future Tariffs?

The take-away from this executive order should be the deadline of April 1 (and 30), 2025, as a potential starting point for aggressive tariff actions and/or threats as a means of increased leverage. Further, the order appears to suggest that additional duties on other countries (to which Chinese industry has moved manufacturing as a means of circumvention of the existing Section 301 duties) is on the table. In other words, countries which have benefited most of the shift from China, such as Vietnam.

Need help navigating the Trump Tariffs?

For 15 years, Great Lakes Customs Law has been a law firm for importers. We have helped hundreds of clients save money by avoiding and lowering tariffs. Contact us at our Michigan office at 734-855-4999 or call our Chicago office at 773-920-1840.

Note: This information is only current as of the date of publication.

Cash and Gold Seized by CBP in Dulles

Dulles CBP Seizes $90K in Cash from 5 people: August 2024

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

The latest CBP money seizure news publicized comes to us from Dulles airport (again). In the story below, CBP seized a total of $90,535 from different people at different dates in August.

CBP seized the money for violation of the currency reporting requirements, which includes the failure to report the currency using a FinCEN 105 form.

STERLING, Va. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers remind travelers heading on overseas trips to comply with U.S. currency reporting laws after officers seized a combined $90,535 from five travelers during August at Washington Dulles International Airport.

Travelers can take as much currency or other monetary instruments they want on their international trips; however, federal law requires travelers to report all currency of $10,000 or greater to a CBP officer. CBP officers will assist travelers in completing the U.S. Treasury Department currency reporting form – the Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments [FINCEN 105].

Travelers can get an early start on reporting their currency by completing the FINCEN 105 PDF, or guided FINCEN 105 online form on CBP’s website prior to a CBP arrivals inspection or departure inspection.

In addition to having their currency seized, travelers risk other consequences, such as missing their departure or connecting flight, interrupting vacation plans, or facing potential criminal prosecution.

Of the five seizures, four were recorded on travelers departing the United States to either Bogota, Colombia, Doha, Qatar, or Accra, Ghana. The fifth seizure was recorded on a traveler arriving from Shanghai, China.

CBP currency detector dog Fuzz, a 4-year-old male yellow labrador retriever, helped to detect unreported currency during three of the seizures.

During each inspection, CBP officers explained U.S. currency reporting laws to the travelers and asked how much currency they possessed. Each of the travelers provided verbal and written declarations of their currency, and as necessary, officers helped travelers complete FINCEN 105 forms for those who reported over $10,000.

During subsequent searches of the travelers and their carryon baggage, CBP officers found additional unreported currency and seized the currency.

CBP is not releasing any of the travelers’ names because none were criminally charged.

Has Detroit Metro Airport CBP seized your cash?

If CBP at Detroit Metro Airport seized your cash, you need a lawyer. Read our trusted customs money seizure legal guide (or watch the videos) and can contact us for a free currency seizure consultation by clicking the contact buttons on this page.
About $13,000 in Chinese currency on a table seized by CBP in Detroit

Detroit CBP Cash Seizure Summer Round-up

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

CBP in Detroit has continued to log large cash seizures for smuggling, structuring, and failure to report (on form FinCen 105) through the second half of summer.

CBP has been sharing photographs of these cash seizures on the X account for the Director of Field Operations for Detroit. CBP seizes cash from anyone entering or leaving the country at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, the Ambassador Bridge, and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.

The first post is from July 30 for a cash seizure that happened at Metro Detroit Airport (DTW). CBP officers seized mostly Chinese currency:

This second post is from the Ambassador bridge. On this occasion, CBP seized almost $17,000 from someone for failing to file an accurate report on form FinCen 105:

Has Detroit Metro Airport CBP seized your cash?

If Detroit CBP seized your cash, you need a lawyer. Read our trusted customs money seizure legal guide (or watch the videos) and can contact us for a free currency seizure consultation by clicking the contact buttons on this page.

New Section 301 (China) Tariff Rates and Exclusions Request for Comments

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) made public a “Request for Comments” after the report on the 4-year review of the Section 301 China Tariffs (see that story here).

The comment period, open to the participation of interested parties, will run from May 29, 204 to June 28, 2024. Comments must be submitted through the USTR comment portal. Comments can be submitted concerning:

  1. Adding or increasing section 301 duty rates
  2. Subheadings eligible for an temporary duty-exclusion process for “particular machinery used in domestic manufacturing” classified within certain subheading under Chapter 84 and 85 of the HTSUS
  3. 19 potential exclusions for “certain solar manufacturing equipment” (effectively immediately and to expire on May 31, 2025).

The notice details the proposed changes as follows:

Consistent with the President’s direction to increase section 301 tariff rates on certain categories of products, included in Annex A to this notice are 382 HTSUS subheadings and 5 statistical reporting numbers of the HTSUS, with an approximate annual trade value of $18 billion (2023). The President has directed that increases for certain products take effect in 2024, 2025, and 2026. The Trade Representative is proposing that increases in 2024 be effective August 1, 2024, and that increases in 2025 and 2026 be effective January 1 of the corresponding year.

There’s a lot more detail in the full notice which is available here. Contact Great Lakes Customs Law at 734-855-4990 via the contact page for assistance.

Section 301 Duties to Increase from 2024 to 2026

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

UPDATE 9/13/24: Notice of Modification of Actions, certain tariffs set to increase on September 27, 2024, with other increases to following on January 1, 2025 and January 1, 2026.

UPDATE 5/22/24: Details about affected HTS subheadings and the comment period are contained in a new notice from the USTR: Request for Comments on Proposed Modifications and Machinery Exclusion Process in Four-Year Review of Actions Taken in the Section 301 Investigation: China’s Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation

[original story from 5/14/22 continues]

The USTR has published a report (linked here) on the 4-year review of the Section 301 duties imposed on Chinese-origin goods and as a result, additional increases are coming to the Section 301, as follows:

Battery parts (non-lithium-ion batteries) Increase rate to 25% in 2024
Electric vehicles Increase rate to 100% in 2024
Facemasks Increase rate to 25% in 2024
Lithium-ion electrical vehicle batteries Increase rate to 25% in 2024
Lithium-ion non-electrical vehicle batteries Increase rate to 25% in 2026
Medical gloves Increase rate to 25% in 2026
Natural graphite Increase rate to 25% in 2026
Other critical minerals Increase rate to 25% in 2024
Permanent magnets Increase rate to 25% in 2026
Semiconductors Increase rate to 50% in 2025
Ship to shore cranes Increase rate to 25% in 2024
Solar cells (whether or not assembled into modules) Increase rate to 50% in 2024
Steel and aluminum products Increase rate to 25% in 2024
Syringes and needles Increase rate to 50% in 2024

An exclusion process will be established for machinery used in domestic manufacturing, including certain solar manufacturing equipment.

More information is available in the press release at the USTR website.

Renewed China Tariff/Section 301 Exclusions thru September 2023

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

Section 301 Exclusions

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced announced it has extended exclusions which were set to expire on December 31, 2022 through September 30, 2023. This extension applies to 352 exclusions. This was previously referenced on a blog post here: Renewed China Tariff/Section 301 Exclusions March 2022.

The reinstated exclusions are available for any product that meets the description in the product exclusion set out in the digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) subheadings and product descriptions in the Annex to the Federal Register notice.

We File Protests for Section 301 Duty Refunds

If you need to file protests to get refunds of Section 301 duties, Great Lakes Customs Law can help. We’ve filed protests thousands of entries over the years, and have been successful in getting our clients refunds for Section 301 duties through protest exclusions. We are happy to discuss your needs, the level of organization required to successfully obtain refunds, and provide some transparent pricing for our services. Please contact us to speak to Jason Wapiennik, customs attorney.