The Customs Watch USA: Edition 26
- Annkaren Wambui
- Jul 7
- 5 min read
🔒 The 10% Wall Falls July 24 | Sixty Nations Caught in One 301 Net
The Customs Watch USASummary: A major tariff deadline is approaching that could reshape import costs across the United States. As the Section 122 global surcharge expires on 24 July, proposed Section 301 duties covering 60 economies threaten to replace it almost immediately. Combined with USMCA developments, HTS Revision 11, new trade remedies, and evolving customs classifications, this week's The Customs Watch USA delivers the intelligence importers need to stay ahead of rapidly changing customs risks. |
🚨 The July 24 Tariff Cliff Is Almost Here
The countdown has begun.
On 24 July 2026, the temporary 10% Section 122 surcharge expires by operation of law. While many businesses may expect import costs to fall, proposed Section 301 duties could arrive almost immediately, potentially affecting imports from around 60 trading economies.
For importers, customs brokers and finance teams, understanding what happens before and after 24 July could significantly influence landed costs, supplier negotiations and customs planning.
This week's The Customs Watch USA explains the upcoming tariff transition, the possible business impacts, and the practical steps organisations should consider before the deadline.
👉 Download this week's The Customs Watch USA to access the full analysis.
🌍 Section 301 Could Reach Sixty Economies
One of the broadest Section 301 investigations in recent years is moving forward.
The USTR has opened hearings covering 60 economies over forced labour enforcement concerns, potentially paving the way for additional tariffs affecting a significant share of global sourcing.
Businesses should already be reviewing supplier locations, mapping sourcing exposure and strengthening forced labour due diligence programmes before any new measures take effect.
This week's The Customs Watch USA explores what the investigation means, which businesses may be affected, and how organisations can begin preparing today.
👉 Download this week's The Customs Watch USA to read the complete analysis.
🇺🇸 USMCA Enters a New Era
The United States has declined to renew USMCA through 2042.
Instead, the agreement now enters a cycle of annual reviews, with a potential expiry horizon of 2036.
Nothing changes immediately for importers, but businesses relying heavily on North American supply chains should begin evaluating long-term sourcing strategies and future trade scenarios.
This week's The Customs Watch USA examines what this decision means for manufacturers, importers and exporters trading across North America.
👉 Download this week's The Customs Watch USA to access the full analysis.
📦 HTS Revision 11 Is Now Live
New statistical reporting codes officially took effect on 1 July, introducing changes across 26 chapters of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Although duty rates remain unchanged, import entries using retired statistical suffixes may now be rejected, creating unnecessary customs delays if systems have not been updated.
This week's The Customs Watch USA explains what changed, which product sectors are affected and how businesses can minimise disruption.
👉 Download this week's The Customs Watch USA to discover the practical guidance.
🏗️ Steel Imports Face a 73.33% Duty Shock
A preliminary countervailing duty of 73.33% has been proposed on certain carbon and alloy steel threaded rod from Algeria.
Although the scope is limited, the decision demonstrates how quickly trade remedy investigations can reshape sourcing strategies and significantly increase landed costs.
This week's The Customs Watch USA explains the investigation, the businesses affected and the practical implications for procurement and finance teams.
👉 Download this week's The Customs Watch USA to access the full analysis.
Overview of This Week's Changes
Topic | Why It Matters |
Section 122 Tariff Sunset | The 10% surcharge expires on 24 July, but replacement Section 301 duties could follow almost immediately. |
Section 301 (60 Economies) | Proposed duties may affect a large share of global sourcing and increase forced labour compliance expectations. |
USMCA Annual Reviews | Long-term certainty gives way to annual reviews and a possible 2036 expiry. |
HTS Revision 11 | New statistical codes are now mandatory for customs filings. |
Algeria Steel Duties | Preliminary 73.33% countervailing duty may significantly increase import costs. |
Brazil Section 301 Investigation | Hearings move Brazil one step closer to possible retaliatory tariffs. |
Tire Importer Penalty | A new §1592 judgment reinforces the importance of reasonable care. |
WCO HS Opinions | New classification guidance could affect future customs decisions. |
HS 2028 | Businesses should begin preparing for one of the largest HS updates in years. |
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Summer Break Notice
As a reminder to our readers, The Customs Watch USA will publish its final edition before the summer break on 31 July 2026.
There will be no editions published between 3 August and 31 August, with publication resuming on 1 September 2026.
We look forward to returning after the break with the latest customs, trade and regulatory developments.
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Author
Ann Karen | Head of Growth
Updated: July 07, 2026
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