US Import Tariffs Update – What You Need to Know

In recent days, the US Administration has announced several trade actions through Presidential Executive Orders (EO), significantly impacting global trading partners. You can review the list of these actions below. 

Section 321 (De Minimis) Program Suspended for Shipments Under $800 in Value

• Effective August 29, 2025, the Section 321 program for low value shipments (less than $800) is being suspended indefinitely. 

• Imports previously eligible under the program will now be subject to full applicable tariffs or duties.  

• Imports previously eligible under the program using the US Postal Service (USPS) system will be assessed for tariffs in accordance with Section 3 of the order. 

Canada Assessed 35% Tariff for Non-USMCA Qualifying Imports 

• Non-US Mexico Canada Free Trade qualifying imports from Canada, not subject to other trade actions such as Section 232 tariffs, are subject to a 35% tariff effective with entry on or after August 1, 2025.  

• Canadian imports transshipped through a third-party country are subject to an additional 40% tariff. 

• Importers are reminded to ensure all USMCA certificates in use and qualifying products are validated with a clear, documented audit trail in the event of any inquiry by US Customs. Failure to do so could result in significant retroactive duties and/or penalties. 

Multiple Countries Assessed Updated Reciprocal Tariffs 

• Effective August 6, 2025, the EO has reset the ‘reciprocal’ tariff rate for many countries as noted on Annex 1. 

• Vessel shipments (not air, truck or rail) in direct transit to the US (on the water, not on a feeder vessel) prior to the effective date and entered prior to October 5, 2025, are exempt from additional tariffs but remain subject to any prior lower reciprocal tariff as established. 

• European Union (EU)-origin imports will have a 15% reciprocal tariff inclusive of any Column 1 HTSUS duty established, unless otherwise expressly provided. No reciprocal tariff applies if Column 1 duty rate is 15% or higher. 

• Non-EU imports will be assessed reciprocal tariffs in addition to any established Column 1 HTSUS duty, unless otherwise expressly provided. 

• Countries not listed in Annex 1 will be subject to a 10% reciprocal tariff.  

Copper Imports Assessed 50% Tariff Under Section Trade 232 Trade Remedy 

• Effective August 1, 2025, imports of semi-finished copper and intensive copper derivative products are subject to an additional 50% tariff. 

• Copper imports join steel and aluminum imports subject to a 50% tariff under this trade remedy. 

• Copper products subject to the tariff can be found by USHTS in the annex attached to the order. 

• Non-copper content within affected products remains subject to other tariffs or duties including any established reciprocal tariff. 

• Given the timing and detail of this order, import delays and increased costs may result as information is collected for entry purposes. 

• Imports covered by Proclamation 10908 (Adjusting Imports of Automobiles and Automobile Parts into the United States) are not subject to this additional Section 232 copper tariff. 

Brazil Assessed 40% Tariff as a Threat to the US 

• Many imports from Brazil will be subject to an additional 40% tariff if entered on or after August 6, 2025. 

• Products noted in Annex 1 of the order are exempt from the additional 40% tariff. 

• Vessel shipments (not air, truck or rail) in direct transit to the US (on the water, not on a feeder vessel) prior to the effective date and entered prior to October 5, 2025, are exempt from additional tariffs but remain subject to any prior lower reciprocal tariff as established. 

• This additional tariff shall not apply to imports subject to existing or future actions under Section 232. 

Delmar Support 

Delmar continues to closely monitor tariff developments and guidance issued by US Customs. We anticipate further publications and clarifications from US Customs and other government agencies, and we will keep you informed as updates become available. 

Affected importers are strongly encouraged to understand these tariffs and stay informed of any further developments with support available from Delmar’s team. 

 

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