In our previous post, we explored South Africa’s initial diplomatic posture following Trump’s so-called “letter” tariffs. Since then (and following the implementation of the 30% tariffs on 1 August 2025), the South African government has released a comprehensive Joint Statement outlining a five-point response plan, and President Cyril Ramaphosa has, more recently, made a strong appeal for the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) which is set to expire on 30 September…
The US Supreme Court granted certiorari in VOS Selections, Inc. v. Trump on September 9, agreeing to review a recent decision of the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit that held that the invocation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs on dozens of trading partners is illegal. For further information on what’s at stake in VOS Selections, see our earlier commentary here and here. The Court has also consolidated…
On August 29, the Government of Canada issued the Order Amending and Repealing Certain Orders Made Under the Customs Tariff (United States Surtax) (Order), which repeals the application of Canada’s 25% retaliatory surtax (Surtax) to numerous U.S. origin goods, effective September 1. Key takeaways for importers: Background The Order amends Canada’s three existing surtax orders, which have authorized a 25% retaliatory tariff on numerous U.S. origin goods since March and April 2025: United States Surtax Order…
On August 15, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued a draft Federal Register notice adding hundreds of tariff subheadings to the list of steel and aluminum derivative products subject to Section 232 tariffs imposed in June. The newly announced duties apply to the steel and aluminum content of derivative products that are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on August…
On July 28, 2025, the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit published in the afternoon edition of the Federal Official Gazette, a resolution of amendment to the Foreign Trade General Rules for 2025. As a result of this publication, as of August 15, 2025 the global rate that must be paid when importing goods into Mexico using the services of a courier company will be increased from 19% to 33.5% (see original rules and rates…
As mentioned in our US customs team’s blog post, on July 10, US President Trump announced 35% tariffs on imports from Canada. The new tariffs are scheduled to commence on August 1. Current US tariffs on Canada include 25% tariffs on Canadian origin goods excluding US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) qualifying goods, 10% tariffs on energy products and potash, 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum goods and derivative products, and 25% tariffs on automobiles and parts. The…
In a move that has shifted global attention back to tariffs, U.S. President Donald Trump recently proposed a flat tariff increase on all imports from several countries, including 30% on South African exports to the U.S.. These U.S. actions were reported on our blog earlier this week here and here. This blog post focuses on the South African government’s response. A Rebuttal President Cyril Ramaphosa has publicly opposed the tariffs, describing them as “unilateral” and based on a…
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) issued its bi-annual update to its trade verification priorities this week. These priorities provide notice to Canadian importers of the goods and customs programs which will be targeted by CBSA’s compliance crosshairs throughout the remainder of 2025. Several goods remain subject to the CBSA’s 2025 trade verification priorities for their 2nd, 3rd and 4th round. While the verification priorities under tariff classification and origin announced in January remain static, the CBSA has not…
On July 9, President Trump took to social media to announce updated tariffs targeting eight countries, which will come into effect on August 1. The news follows the announcement two days earlier of revised tariffs against 14 countries and the extension of the postponement of country-specific reciprocal tariffs, until August 1. The revised tariff rates range from 20% to 50%. As with the previously announced duties, the updated rates include hikes for some countries as…
In a move that could significantly reshape transatlantic commerce, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14309 on June 16, 2025, enacting key provisions of the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal. This agreement, unveiled at the G7 summit in Canada, aims to ease trade tensions and foster deeper economic cooperation between the United Kingdom and the United States. The order was published that same day in the Federal Register and its provisions went into effect on June…