The Customs Watch USA: Edition 28
- Annkaren Wambui
- 2 hours ago
- 6 min read
š The countdown has begun.Ā A critical U.S. tariff deadline, sweeping new tariffs on Brazil, a 73.33% duty on Algerian steel, and major CBP filing changes are reshaping the customs landscape
The Customs Watch USASummary:Ā The countdown is on for one of the most significant U.S. customs developments of the year. The Customs Watch USAĀ examines the impending expiry of the Section 122 10% global import surcharge at 12:01 a.m. EDT on 24 July 2026, alongside significant tariff actions including a 73.33% countervailing duty on Algerian steel threaded rod and new CBP compliance requirements. With businesses also preparing for the possibility of Section 301 tariffs replacing the expiring surcharge, alongside new ACE filing changes, mandatory sanctions reporting and evolving trade remedy actions, now is the time to reassess customs strategies and minimise financial and operational risk. |
Section 122's Global Surcharge Reaches Its Legal Deadline
One of the most closely watched U.S. trade measures is approaching a critical legal milestone.
The 10% global import surcharge imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 reaches its statutory 150-day limit at 12:01 a.m. EDT on 24 July 2026. Unless Congress acts, the surcharge cannot continue under existing authority, creating uncertainty for importers across virtually every supply chain. At the same time, USTR is preparing potential Section 301 tariff measuresĀ that could replace the expiring surcharge, making the coming days particularly significant for global traders.
Businesses should prepare for multiple possible outcomes, including the expiry of the surcharge or its replacement with alternative tariff measures, and assess the potential impact on landed costs, customs declarations and procurement strategies.
š Download this week's edition of The Customs Watch USAĀ to access the full analysis, practical guidance and expert commentary.
Brazil Faces New 25% Section 301 Tariffs
The United States has imposed a new 25% Section 301 tariffĀ on most Brazilian goods following its investigation into Brazil's trade practices. Although several important product categoriesāincluding aircraft, energy products, beef and orange juiceāremain excluded, many importers will face significantly higher landed costs from 22 July 2026.
Companies sourcing goods from Brazil should immediately review product classifications, supplier exposure and procurement strategies to determine whether their imports fall within the scope of the new measures.
š Download this week's edition of The Customs Watch USAĀ to access the full analysis, practical guidance and expert commentary.
Algeria's 73% Duty Sends Shockwaves Through Steel Imports
Commerce has issued a preliminary 73.33% countervailing dutyĀ on carbon and alloy steel threaded rod imported from Algeria after determining that the exporter failed to cooperate fully during the investigation.
For importers, the decision represents a substantial increase in cash deposit requirements and may require immediate sourcing and pricing reviews while the investigation progresses towards its final determination.
Businesses importing steel products should evaluate supplier exposure and prepare for the potential financial impact of one of this year's highest preliminary subsidy rates.
š Download this week's edition of The Customs Watch USAĀ to access the full analysis, practical guidance and expert commentary.
CBP Continues to Expand Customs Compliance Requirements
Alongside this week's headline tariff developments, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has introduced several important operational changes, including:
New copper smelt and cast country reporting requirements
ACE importer account "Inactive" status
Entry Type 13 pilot for low-value mail shipments
New mandatoryĀ Russian sanctions filing requirements and ACE data fields
Safeguard investigation on imported lamb meat
Canadian mushroom antidumping margins
Silicon metal duties on Australia and Norway
Court decisions affecting imports from China, Germany and India
Updated customs duty interest rates
USMCA review negotiations with Mexico
As customs compliance continues to evolve, businesses should ensure their systems, procedures and internal controls remain aligned with the latest CBP requirements.
š Download this week's edition of The Customs Watch USAĀ to access the full analysis, practical guidance and expert commentary.
Overview of This Week's Changes
Topic | Why It Matters |
Section 122 Global Surcharge Deadline | The 10% global import surcharge reaches its statutory limit on 24 July 2026, creating uncertainty over whether it will expire or be replaced with new tariff measures. |
Brazil 25% Section 301 Tariffs | Most Brazilian goods are now subject to a new 25% tariff, requiring businesses to review sourcing strategies, product classifications and landed costs. |
Algeria 73.33% Countervailing Duty | Importers of Algerian steel threaded rod face a substantial increase in cash deposit requirements following Commerce's preliminary determination. |
Australia & Norway Silicon Metal Duties Finalised | Final antidumping and countervailing duty rates significantly increase the cost of importing silicon metal from Australia and Norway. |
New Copper Reporting Requirements | Importers of covered copper products must begin reporting smelt and cast country information through ACE from 30 July 2026. |
ACE Importer Account Changes | CBP has introduced an "Inactive for Entry Purposes" status that could affect dormant Importer of Record accounts and disrupt customs filings. |
Mandatory Russian Sanctions & New ACE Filing Fields | CBP has introduced new mandatory sanctions-related data fields and expanded ACE filing requirements, requiring businesses to update customs systems and ensure entry data remains compliant. |
Entry Type 13 Low-Value Mail Pilot | CBP launches a new electronic filing option for qualifying low-value mail shipments, signalling greater visibility over informal imports. |
Safeguard Investigation on Lamb Meat | A new global safeguard investigation could lead to future import restrictions affecting lamb imports from any country. |
Court Decisions & Trade Remedy Updates | Important rulings affecting imports from China, Germany and India, alongside Canadian mushroom duties and updated duty interest rates, continue to shape customs compliance. |
š Download this week's edition of The Customs Watch USAĀ to access the full analysis, practical guidance and expert commentary.
This is the power of The Customs Watch USA!Ā Delivered to your inbox every week with executive-level customs intelligence, practical guidance and actionable trade compliance insights.Ā
Summer Break Notice
As a reminder to our readers, The Customs Watch USAĀ 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.
Why Subscribe?
Stay Compliant Across Jurisdictions:Ā Receive comprehensive updates on U.S. customs regulations and policies to ensure your operations remain fully compliant.
Save Time & Reduce Risk:Ā Our expert team simplifies complex customs regulations into actionable insights, saving you time and minimizing risk.
Expert Analysis You Can Trust:Ā Access in-depth articles, detailed breakdowns, and expert commentary to effectively manage customs risks.
Continuous Learning and Training:Ā Empower your team with exclusive training and resources to keep them ahead of regulatory changes in customs.
Targeted Updates on Customs Regulations:Ā Receive tailored updates on cost-savings opportunities, enforcement trends, compliance tips, and strategies to mitigate trade-related risks, including Section 301 modifications, classification traps, and international trade remedy filings.Ā Ā
Extensive Customs Coverage
If you're involved in importing goods into the US, staying up to date with US customs laws and regulations is crucial. We provide regular updates on key regulations, including U.S. Customs Regulations (19 CFR) and other essential customs-related laws. Stay ahead of changes to ensure your compliance with customs rules. All in one magazine, the only update you need to read.
Our Trade Intelligence Service: The Customs Watch USAĀ
Your Ultimate Trade Compliance Companion: The Customs Watch USAĀ Ā saves time, keeps you updated, and aids in making intelligent supply chain cross-border decisions. Find out more
USA: Our Trade Intelligence Services
Why Trade Intelligence is Vital for Customs Professionals: Stay Ahead in U.S. Customs & Trade. Find out more
Our Trade Intelligence Services: How We Do It
Creating accurate Trade Intelligence updates takes hours of research and review of official sources, newsletters, webinars, and more to deliver trusted insights. Find out more
Our Trade Intelligence Services: The Knowledge Hub & Content Library
Unlock The Full Potential of Your Customs Expertise with Our Knowledge Hub & Content Library. Find out more
How To Sign Up
š Visit www.customsmanager.infoĀ to subscribe and start your free 30-day trial. No Commitment, no credit card required, just informational emails sent to you. Superior Trade Intelligence & Weekly Briefings: Avoid wasting time doomscrolling on LinkedIn, dealing with AI hallucinations, or drowning in marketing newsletters. Access our expert-curated legal and local updates one source, one place, the only place. Visit www.customsmanager.infoĀ to get a free 30-day trial with no obligations. No Credit Card, no sign-up, just the intelligence you want and like to read.
How Customs Manager Ltd Can Support You:
Expert Consultancy & Advice:Ā Discuss the matters in this blog for your context. Schedule a free 1-hour consultancy call. Book at www.customsmanager.orgĀ ā Book Expert Call.
UK Customs Clearance:Ā We act as direct and indirect customs agents, breaking down the Brexit border so you can trade almost as you did in the old days.
Specialized Training:Ā Get training on US-China tariffs and HS code classification traps with live, on-demand (pre-recorded), and in-house options for you and your team. Visit www.customsmanager.orgĀ -> Events to see whatās coming up.Ā Ā
Free Information and Updates:
Weekly Newsletter:Ā https://sendfox.com/customsmanager
Weekly Videos (YouTube):Ā Ask the Customs Manager for video messages by Arne Mielken answering your questions, insightful interviews, bite-size info videos, and more. Subscribe for free here: https://www.youtube.com/c/CustomsManagerLtd
Author
Ann Karen | Head of Growth
Updated: July 21, 2026
Related Topics
Want to read more?
Subscribe to customsmanager.info to keep reading this exclusive post.
