Parts 1 and 2 explored the changing USMCA landscape, the growing focus on Chinese-origin inputs, rules of origin, transshipment, tariffs, documentation, and the possible directions the agreement could take. Now comes the most important part: What should businesses do about it? The smartest approach is not panic. It is preparation. Businesses do not need to…
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…
Quick Facts The United States has announced a significant trade action that will affect businesses importing goods from Brazil. Following a Section 301 investigation, the U.S. government will impose an additional 25% tariff on most Brazilian imports, while exempting selected products that are considered essential to the U.S. economy. The tariff applies to goods entered…
If you’ve spent any time navigating U.S. customs regulations, you’ve probably had the same thought as anyone who has assembled furniture without reading the instructions: “Surely there’s a better way.” Well, Washington appears to agree. A sweeping Executive Order on customs enforcement aims to modernize how imports enter the United States, tighten compliance, strengthen national…
If you’ve ever wished importing consumer products came with just one more compliance requirement, congratulations – your wish has been granted. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has finalized its long-awaited electronic filing (eFiling) rule, ushering in one of the most significant changes to product import compliance in years. While “electronic filing of Certificates…
Every Independence Day, communities across the country celebrate with one of America’s favorite traditions: fireworks displays. Depending on the size of the event, a professional fireworks show can cost anywhere from $5,000 for a small municipal display to well over $100,000 for large city celebrations. Major metropolitan displays can easily exceed several hundred thousand dollars….
Section 232 Updates Reshape the Metal Import Landscape The U.S. government has once again expanded its trade measures on imported metals, introducing major changes to tariffs on aluminum, steel, copper, and products made from those materials. In a pair of proclamations issued in April and June 2026, the Trump administration strengthened existing Section 232 tariffs,…
Where Does Your Coffee Come From? Nearly two-thirds of American adults drink coffee every day. For many of us, that morning cup is as routine as brushing our teeth. But how often do we stop and ask a simple question, ‘Where did this coffee come from, and how was it harvested?’ More importantly, could forced…
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…