Insights on Customs & Import Compliance

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.

In this episode of Five Questions, Five Answers, Birgit Matthiesen and Ryan Greer of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) discuss the current challenges facing Canadian manufacturers due to impending US tariffs and the broader implications for the bilateral trade relationship.

Join ArentFox Schiff’s Sylvia Costelloe for a trade compliance panel hosted by the Women In International Trade Orange County (WITOC).

On March 1, President Trump issued an Executive Order (EO) requiring the US Department of Commerce (Commerce) to investigate the national security implications in connection with imports of timber, lumber, and their derivative products.

In addition to navigating the Trump Administration’s ever-changing international trade policy through the use of existing (e.g., Section 301, Section 232, etc.) and novel (e.g., International Emergency Economic Powers Act, reciprocal) tariffs, US importers now must also be cognizant of the increased use of the False Claims Act (FCA) to enforce against customs fraud.

On February 25, President Trump issued an executive order (EO) requiring the US Department of Commerce (Commerce) to investigate the national security implications of the copper supply chain. The investigation will be based on section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.

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.

Join Mario Torrico for a panel organized by Asociación Nacional de Comercio Exterior (ANALDEX) and CID-Pro Consulting S.A.S.

In an unprecedented and highly fluid series of US trade announcements emanating from Washington, DC, the latest Executive Orders (EOs) announced this past Friday and this week’s EO on steel imports did little to calm c-suite jitters.

This podcast comes on the heels of a whirlwind weekend of tariff headlines from Washington, DC, and reactions around the globe. It begins with news of the tariff “reprieve” for imports from Canada and Mexico and quickly turns to the impact of such tariffs on the North American vehicle and vehicle parts industries.

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).

The United States has prevailed in a dispute against Mexico under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) concerning genetically modified (GM) corn.

Join International Trade & Investment associates James Kim and Mario Torrico for an in-person event with the Professional Association of Exporters and Importers.

Join Leah Scarpelli and former US Congressman Philip English for a Canadian Institute of Steel Construction webinar.

International Trade & Investment associate Mario Torrico will join a panel discussion at the Winter Fancy Food Show in Law Vegas, NV on January 19, 2025.

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.

As President-elect Trump prepares to take office on January 20, the construction industry must anticipate shifts in trade policy, particularly concerning tariffs. These changes are expected to have significant implications for various sectors, including energy and clean technology.

As President-elect Trump prepares to take office for a second term, his presidency will undoubtedly reshape US international trade policy, impacting US and foreign manufacturing. We can expect that his administration will implement new and increased tariffs. Whether those tariffs come in the form of universal tariffs, tariffs targeted to a few countries, industries or products, or tariffs targeted to certain companies will likely be known once Trump assumes office. The solar industry, particularly solar products originating from China, is expected to be a focus point of potential future tariff measures.

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office on January 20, numerous tariff proposals have already been put forward that could significantly impact the electric vehicle (EV) and battery supply chain industry. Differentiating between the potential for immediate tariff actions and those requiring more time to implement is critical for companies that are in preparation of such actions.

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.