The Customs Watch USA - Edition 05
- Arne Mielken
- Feb 24
- 3 min read
Aluminum and Steel Tariffs: Excel Doc of HTS codes + FAQ of Top 20 Questions, De Minimis Further Details, Section 301 Investigations on China, Trade Talks with India
Dear Valued Reader,
Welcome to the fifth edition of The Customs Watch USA.
This week has seen significant developments in U.S. trade policy, customs enforcement, and regulatory updates, with actions taken by the USTR, CBP, and the White House shaping the global trade landscape.
Here’s a breakdown of the key updates:
In a significant policy shift, President Trump issued proclamations on 18 February 2025 raising aluminum tariffs to 25% and reimposing 25% duties on steel imports, effective on 12 March 2025, revoking prior exclusion agreements with countries such as Canada, Mexico, and the EU. This move marks a significant escalation in U.S. trade policy.
We invite you to download the Excel spreadsheet with the commodity codes affected and read our introduction expert blog. We also have answers to the 20 top questions you have asked us in this FAQ blog.
Want to receive the Customs Watch USA into your inbox? Please visit www.customsmanager.info and leave your e-mail address in the relevant box.
And if you are looking for an overview list of all the trade actions that the President has carried out since entering the White House for a second time, our expert colleague Bonnie has the list here for download.
This week’s special reports highlight critical areas of focus for businesses navigating the evolving trade landscape. De Minimis - Further Analysis examines recent changes to de minimis rules and Type 86 entries, which have raised concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities and require businesses to reassess compliance strategies.
We also explore how the evolving U.S. trade policy landscape is prompting importers to adjust sourcing strategies, revise valuation methods, and prepare for future regulatory challenges.
On 21 February 2025, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced it is seeking public comments on proposed actions in the Section 301 investigation targeting China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. A public hearing is scheduled for 24 March 2025, allowing stakeholders to provide input on proposed tariffs and restrictions.
In a notable enforcement update, CBP introduced a CAATSA Exception Review option in the ACE Protest Module on 21 February 2025, enabling importers to challenge forced labor-related exclusions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
The USTR also opened a public comment period on 20 February 2025 to address unfair and non-reciprocal foreign trade practices affecting U.S. exports. Comments are due by 11 March 2025, with a focus on discriminatory policies that hinder U.S. trade competitiveness.
We wish you a great day.
Arne
Your Ultimate Trade Compliance Companion: The Customs Watch USA saves time, keeps you updated, and aids in making intelligent supply chain cross border decisions.
Creating accurate Trade Intelligence updates takes hours of research, reviewing official sources, newsletters, webinars, and more to deliver trusted insights.
Unlock The Full Potential of Your Customs Expertise with Our Knowledge Hub & Content Library
Download the Edition here
Want to read more?
Subscribe to customsmanager.info to keep reading this exclusive post.
