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US Import Tariff Update: Reciprocal Tariffs - What You Need to Know

blog | Apr 16, 2025

The US federal government has announced ‘Reciprocal’ and ‘Global’ tariffs, including various updates to previous announcements. Below are some of the most important current issues importers should take note of and take time to understand. 

 

Tariff Effective Dates 

  1. Reciprocal tariffs were effective April 9th, 2025, based on the US Customs assigned entry date.  
    1. These tariffs replaced a previous global 10% tariff (effective April 5th, 2025) for specific countries 

 

Tariff Rates 

  1. Most countries are currently subject to a reciprocal or global US tariff (duty). The reciprocal tariff was further amended (after being announced) to 10% for most countries. This rate will remain in effect until at least July 9, 2025.
  2. Products with region origins of China and Hong Kong were increased to a minimum combined tariff of 145% (i.e. reciprocal tariff plus pre-existing tariffs as applicable).
  3. Reciprocal or global tariffs are cumulative to pre-existing tariffs, excluding any exemptions noted below. 

 

Tariff Exemptions 

  1. Cargo loaded and in-transit direct to the US by vessel (ocean) prior to April 5th or 9th, 2025 respectively, if customs entered before May 27, 2025. 
    1. Cargo arriving direct to the US via any other mode of transport is not exempt, even if moving on a through bill of lading.
  2. Canada and Mexico origin products, products subject to US Section 232 duties (including steel & aluminum products) and/or Annex II products. 
  3. Specific technology products, regardless of country of origin and subject to their accurate HTS classification have been exempted, effective April 5th, 2025.

 

Section 321 De Minimis Program Changes 

Effective May 2, 2025, all China-origin products will be unable to enter the US under the Section 321 De Minimis program (i.e. duty and tax free). Full duties and taxes will be assessed upon customs entry or processing by the US Postal Service (USPS). 

Chinese products entering through USPS may be assessed tariffs under one of two options (as amended).  

  1.  International carriers may opt to pay a 120% tariff on the declared value or 
  2. $100.00 per item (increasing to $200.00 per item effective June 1, 2025) 

 

US Drawback Available 

Drawback of US reciprocal and global tariffs is allowed subject to normal claim requirements. 

 

Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Entries 

Products subject to these tariffs must be entered into a US Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) under ‘Privileged Foreign Status’ maintaining the application of these tariffs upon removal from the zone. 

 

US Importer Bonds 

US importers should note increased tariffs may impact their import bond sufficiency. US Customs may therefore require a new, larger bond to be established to maintain import privileges. 

 

Delmar Support 

Delmar continues to closely monitor tariff developments and guidance provided by US customs. 

Affected importers are strongly encouraged to ensure understanding of these tariffs and keep current on any additional developments, with which Delmar’s team can assist. 

 

For additional information and assistance, please contact your local Delmar Representative. 

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