In Part 1, we looked at the changing USMCA landscape and why businesses need to take a closer look at rules of origin, Chinese-origin inputs, transshipment, and the difference between being “assembled in Mexico” and actually qualifying for USMCA treatment. Now let’s talk about another uncomfortable reality: USMCA eligibility does not automatically make every tariff…
If you import from Mexico or Canada, manufacture in North America, or move goods across the U.S.-Mexico-Canada border, you have probably noticed something uncomfortable: The future of USMCA is no longer a “wait and see” issue. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement was designed to strengthen North American trade, encourage regional manufacturing, and create a framework for…
If you are an exporter, chances are you’ve had questions about complying with the export regulations. Understanding the regulations is one thing; applying them correctly in real-world situations is another. If you’ve ever wondered whether other exporters struggle with the same challenges, you’re not alone. Test your export compliance knowledge with some of the most…
President Trump touted that tariff was one of his favorite words and he has been doing everything in his power to have additional tariffs stick on certain products and/or countries since the beginning of his second time in office. Earlier this month, the White House hosted a Small Business Summit. I saw some of the…
What Is the Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA)? The Enforce and Protect Act of 2015 was enacted as part of the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act (TFTEA) and became effective in August 2016, this law gives US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) authority to investigate and stop evasion of antidumping (AD) and countervailing duties (CVD) on imported goods. Its purpose is to protect US…
Ready … Set … Stop! After being active for nearly a month, the new BIS Affiliates Rule is on “pause” until November 9, 2026. The Bureau of Industry and Security has suspended the implementation of the so-called “50% rule” for one year, starting November 10, 2025. This suspension was part of a trade agreement with…
A Noteworthy Conference with Strong Messages There has been a lot of chatter regarding the recent Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) annual Update Conference on Export Controls and Policy, which took place recently in March. This year’s conference was particularly noteworthy as it marked the first time Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick addressed export controls…
In all the years of my career, I don’t think I have seen so many articles or news stories on tariffs as I have since Donald Trump won the election in November. Everyone is trying to speculate on what he is going to do and if he will follow through with his promises on increasing…
The U.S. government’s recent decision to increase Section 301 tariffs on certain Chinese imports is a significant development in the ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China. While aimed at addressing long-standing trade issues, these tariffs also raise concerns for importers who rely on Chinese goods. Understanding Section 301 Tariffs Section 301 of…
Adding to a list of seemingly never-ending problems, the Boeing Company recently agreed to pay a $51 million civil penalty for violating U.S. export regulations, specifically the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Arms Export Control Act (AECA). The company also agreed to remedial compliance measures and entered into a Consent Agreement with the…