07/11/2025
President Trump Extends Suspension of Tariff Rates Until August 1, 2025
Check out this week's Customs Corner to read about the tariff suspension, updates on FDA exemptions for low-value shipments, and more.
Trade and Customs Updates
1) President Trump Extends Suspension of Tariff Rates Until August 1, 2025
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order extending the suspension of certain tariff rates.
Originally enacted through Executive Order 14266, the suspension has now been extended until 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on August 1, 2025. This extension aims to provide more time for negotiations and adjustments in trade policies.
The tariff suspension specifically related to the People’s Republic of China, established by Executive Order 14298 on May 12, 2025, remains unchanged. This separate measure was designed to reflect ongoing discussions with Chinese officials and continues to be in effect as part of the United States' broader trade strategy.
References:
- Federal Register :: Extending the Modification of the Reciprocal Tariff Rates
- CSMS # 65573545 – GUIDANCE: Extending the Modification of the Reciprocal Tariff Rates
2) FDA Revokes Exemptions for Low-Value Shipments, Mandating Review for All FDA-Regulated Imports
Effective immediately, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has rescinded previous communications that exempted certain low-value, FDA-regulated products from review, now requiring all such shipments, irrespective of quantity and value, to undergo FDA scrutiny due to potential health, safety, and security risks. Previously, under CSMS #94-001260 and CSMS #17-000388, eligible low-value products could bypass FDA review if meeting de minimis exemption criteria. However, advancements in technology have enhanced both trade and FDA capabilities, allowing for comprehensive electronic review of all FDA-regulated imports to support legitimate trade while preventing the entry of violative products. Importers are reminded that Prior Notice requirements remain applicable for all food and feed shipments unless specifically exempted under 21 CFR 1.277(b).
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3) CBP to Host Webinar on Protecting Intellectual Property Rights at U.S. Borders
On Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. ET, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Office of Trade will conduct a webinar titled “How CBP Protects Intellectual Property Rights at the Border.” This event is aimed at the trade community and will provide an overview of CBP's eRecordation program, outlining how brand owners can collaborate with CBP to prevent the entry of infringing goods into the United States. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session following the presentation.
To register for this free webinar, click the registration link below:
How CBP Protects Intellectual Property Rights at the Border
Reference:
4) U.S. to Begin Phased Reopening of Southern Ports for Livestock Imports from Mexico
On June 30, 2025, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture announced a strategic, risk-based plan to reopen ports for the importation of cattle, bison, and equines from Mexico, with operations set to begin as early as July 7, 2025. This decision follows extensive collaboration between experts from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and their Mexican counterparts.
The joint efforts have significantly enhanced surveillance, detection, and eradication measures for the New World Screwworm (NWS), a major concern for livestock health. The phased reopening will commence with the port in Douglas, Arizona, marking a critical step in restoring livestock trade while ensuring biosecurity and disease prevention. This initiative underscores the commitment of both nations to maintaining robust agricultural trade relations while prioritizing animal health and safety.
For more information, visit https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/06/30/usda-announces-phased-reopening-southern-ports-livestock-trade
5) Trade Associations Urge USTR to Reconsider Proposed Actions on China's Maritime Sector
Over 160 trade associations, including the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA), have called on the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to reconsider its proposed measures stemming from the Section 301 investigation into China's ambitions in the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. In a letter dated July 7, the associations expressed their concerns over the USTR's proposed actions, arguing that these would not effectively deter China's maritime ambitions but would instead harm American businesses and consumers, particularly through the imposition of a port fee.
The correspondence responds to the USTR's request for comments on its proposed modifications (USTR-2025-0013), with the deadline set for July 7. While the associations support increased scrutiny of China's maritime industry tactics, they caution that the port fee could lead to higher costs for American importers and exporters. BIMCO (Baltic and International Maritime Council) has already begun developing a standard industry clause to address the contractual uncertainties resulting from the USTR's proposed fees on Chinese-related vessels docking at U.S. ports.
The trade groups warned that ocean carriers might reduce services to U.S. ports, particularly smaller ones, due to the port fee, which could exacerbate congestion in the national logistics network and lead to increased costs and delays for both imports and exports. They emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy involving sustained investments and cooperation from both public and private sectors to revitalize the domestic industry without imposing fees on Chinese-built vessels that were acquired years ago.
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