Customs & Import Compliance Blog

The fashion and textile industries have seen a marked uptick in customs enforcement, riding a “roller coaster of trade policy” that is likely to get more chaotic under the Trump Administration. 

Welcome to the March 2025 issue of “As the (Customs and Trade) World Turns,” our monthly newsletter where we compile essential updates from the customs and trade world over the past month. We bring you the most recent and significant insights in an accessible format, concluding with our main takeaways — aka “And the Fox Says…” — on what you need to know.

The latest US tariff actions have rattled North American trade, but businesses that understand the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) have a significant advantage.

Welcome to the February 2025 issue of “As the (Customs and Trade) World Turns,” our monthly newsletter where we compile essential updates from the customs and trade world over the past month. We bring you the most recent and significant insights in an accessible format, concluding with our main takeaways — aka “And the Fox Says…” — on what you need to know.

ArentFox Schiff’s Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force published its first annual report last year to help multinational companies navigate the complexities of forced labor laws in the United States and in countries around the world. Since our last report, forced labor enforcement has developed rapidly, with many of our predictions materializing in 2024.

As of this writing on February 3, the president’s long awaited new tariffs have been officially announced via Executive Orders (EOs) from the White House for Canada, Mexico, and China. They confirm media reports of new 25% tariffs for imports from Canada (except energy resources) and Mexico and 10% for imports from China entered on and after February 4. Canadian energy resources will be subject to a 10% tariff. The rates of duty are in addition to any other duties, fees, exactions, or charges applicable to such imported articles.

At the Oval Office signing ceremony on January 20, President Trump announced plans to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada. The following day, President Trump extended this tariff threat to include additional 10% tariffs on goods from China, further escalating trade tensions with these key trading partners. According to Trump, the tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico will take effect on February 1. However, there is still uncertainty about whether this deadline will be met or if it is being used as a negotiation tactic.

The US Customs Agency, established in 1789 under the US Department of the Treasury, has undergone significant transformations throughout its history. Initially focused on revenue collection and trade regulation, the agency’s role expanded to include national security functions following its integration into the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2003 pursuant to the Homeland Security Act of 2022 (HSA).

As President-elect Trump continues to shape his economic plan with significant tariff policies, it’s crucial for businesses to stay informed about the potential risks and opportunities his announcements may bring.

Welcome to the January 2025 issue of “As the (Customs and Trade) World Turns,” our monthly newsletter where we compile essential updates from the customs and trade world over the past month. We bring you the most recent and significant insights in an accessible format, concluding with our main takeaways — aka “And the Fox Says…” — on what you need to know.

A quick glance on the Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA) homepage reveals an impressive list of well-known corporate icons of the electric vehicle (EV) world.

Welcome to the December 2024 issue of “As the (Customs and Trade) World Turns,” our monthly newsletter where we compile essential updates from the customs and trade world over the past month. We bring you the most recent and significant insights in an accessible format, concluding with our main takeaways — aka “And the Fox Says…” — on what you need to know.

Most fashion, beauty, and retail companies depend heavily on global supply chains to produce products sold in the United States, but with significant tariff increases looming and an unpredictable trade landscape, companies need to reassess sourcing and manufacturing strategies. Countries that were traditional sources of lower cost and high-quality products could be the target of tariffs under President-elect Trump’s proposed tariff policies. We explore scenarios for these tariffs, the impacts on the fashion, beauty, and retail industries, and what companies can do to mitigate the impacts of the potential tariffs.

Welcome to the November 2024 issue of “As the (Customs and Trade) World Turns,” our monthly newsletter where we compile essential updates from the customs and trade world over the past month. We bring you the most recent and significant insights in an accessible format, concluding with our main takeaways — aka “And the Fox Says…” — on what you need to know.

The annual Battery Show and Electric Vehicle (EV) Technology Expo has become a must-attend event for the electric mobility industry. Now in its 14th year, the conference is billed as “North America’s largest advanced battery event,” hosting more than 19,000 attendees and over 1,150 exhibitors.

In the latest installment of Five Questions, Five Answers, host Birgit Matthiesen is joined by colleagues Dan Renberg, former member of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, and Kelsey Griswold-Berger, former long-time Congressional senior staff member.

Just two weeks before the November elections, podcast host Birgit Matthiesen gathers her colleagues to talk US trade policy.

Welcome to the October 2024 issue of “As the (Customs and Trade) World Turns,” our monthly newsletter where we compile essential updates from the customs and trade world over the past month.

Welcome to the September 2024 issue of “As the (Customs and Trade) World Turns,” our monthly newsletter where we compile essential updates from the customs and trade world over the past month.

Welcome to the August 2024 issue of “As the (Customs and Trade) World Turns,” our monthly newsletter where we compile essential updates from the customs and trade world over the past month.

Since the inception of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), importers globally have started to become acutely aware of potential forced labor risks hidden beneath intricate supply chains.

Welcome to the July 2024 issue of “As the (Customs and Trade) World Turns,” our monthly newsletter where we compile essential updates from the customs and trade world over the past month.

In the latest installment of Five Questions, Five Answers, host Birgit Matthiesen sits down with Thomas Boylan, regulatory director at Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA), to discuss the importance and benefits of transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), specifically electric school buses, for public health, climate, and economic advantages.

Welcome to the June 2024 issue of “As the (Customs and Trade) World Turns,” our monthly newsletter where we compile essential updates from the customs and trade world over the past month.

In the latest installment of Five Questions, Five Answers, host Birgit Matthiesen is joined by International Trade & Investment Partner Leah Scarpelli to discuss the recent developments in US-China tariffs, specifically the Section 301 tariffs.