The Customs Watch USA: Edition 14
- Arne Mielken
- May 5
- 4 min read
Updated: May 26
Must-Read Edition – Customs Watch USA: Critical U.S. Customs Developments You Can’t Afford to Miss: Trump’s Tariff Offset for U.S. Auto Assembly Pars – EO Ends Tariff Stacking – De Minimis from China CUT – Flowcharts + Special Reports
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Edition 14 - Week 19/2025
Period Covered: 28 April 2025 – 5 May 2025
Published: 5 May 2025
Colleagues,
Welcome to the new edition of The Customs Watch USA! Here’s a sneak peek at the latest special reports and updates that we cover in our .pdf this week:
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Last week brought three pivotal customs developments that could dramatically impact your import strategy. We’ve analysed each update in detail, complete with official references, CSMS messages, and practical guidance. Here’s what’s inside this urgent edition of Customs Watch USA:
1) End of Duty-Free Imports from China & Hong Kong: De Minimis Reform Now in Force: As of May 2, 2025, goods originating from China and Hong Kong valued under $800 no longer qualify for duty-free entry under the de minimis exemption. Postal shipments now face duties of up to 120%, and most entries will require standard customs clearance procedures. Our compliance checklist inside this edition helps you stay fully prepared.
2) New 25% Tariff on Auto Parts – Offset Mechanism Announced: President Trump has introduced a powerful offset incentive for U.S. automakers. The 25% tariff on automobiles and parts remains, but manufacturers assembling vehicles in the U.S. may now claim an offset of up to 3.75% of MSRP. We explain who qualifies, how the offset works, and when it applies, in this critical breakdown.
3) Tariff Priority Clarified: Stacking IEEPA Tariffs A new federal rule effective March 4, 2025, clarifies how multiple tariffs apply simultaneously, particularly where IEEPA-based tariffs overlap with others. This decision is essential for importers navigating complex tariff layers. Our in-depth guide and flowcharts explain which tariff takes precedence.
4) Exclusive: Updated U.S. Tariff & Trade Threats Log: This special report compiles all key Presidential Executive Orders, CSMS updates, and policy shifts. It provides a clear timeline of trade actions, practical compliance strategies, and linkable resources for your internal teams.
5) How Importers Are Avoiding the Tariff Trap – Legally: In our Must-Read Special Report II, we reveal how savvy importers are storing goods outside the U.S. or rerouting via strategic third countries to minimise tariff exposure while maintaining full compliance. Learn how to adopt these strategies and protect your bottom line.
6) Visual Tools: Your Tariff Decision-Making Just Got Easier: We’ve created two powerful new flowcharts:
Flowchart I: What tariffs apply to my products?
Flowchart II: How “stacking” IEEPA tariffs works
7) BIS Expands Section 232 Scope – New Impact on Steel and Aluminium Derivatives The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has launched a process to expand Section 232 tariffs to cover derivative goods. This will affect tariff classifications and duty rates for a wide range of imports. Full BIS guidance included.
8) Massive AD/CVD Wave Targets New Product Categories Anti-dumping and countervailing duties are being extended to cover epoxy resins, plastic boxes, ferrosilicon, and more. New scope ruling requests include aluminium articles and cabinetry from China. Full details, scope rulings, and preliminary determinations are covered.
9) Global Trade Talks Shift Post-IMF/WB – The 6-Point Deal Framework Following recent international meetings, U.S. negotiators are working under a new six-point framework for global tariff agreements. Modelled in part on the original Trump–China deal, this framework lays the groundwork for “quick wins” before the July 9 tariff snapback. We take a closer look.
10) Technical Deep Dive: Classifying Bath Sponges – Plastic or Textile? We examine the surprising customs implications of manufacturing methods. The material and process used can shift your tariff classification—and your duty liability. Let's check it out.
Also in This Edition
Weekly CSMS & ACE System Updates
IPR Case Closures & Enforcement Actions
New Trade Webinars to Watch
Stay ahead of every customs change, and protect your supply chain from risk and unnecessary cost.
Have a great week—and an informed read.
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