Tariff Summary: Navigating the Latest Trade Shifts
Here’s what you need to know:
- U.S. “Liberation Day” tariffs postponed to August 1, 2025: this follows two previous delays bringing relief but prolonging uncertainty. This extension gives importers a brief window to adjust sourcing strategies or expedite shipments before tariffs take effect.
- New tariffs (25–70 %) notified to 12 countries: including Japan, South Korea, South Africa if no deals are reached tariffs targeting a wide range of goods from electronics to textiles will go into effect on August 1.
- Steel and aluminum remain at 50 % tariffs: Section 232 raised U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum, and derivative products from 25% to 50%, narrowing exemptions and adjusting how duties are calculated and applied.
- China-EU-Mexico-US import volumes shifting: U.S. ocean container imports from China fell 28% in June, while Southeast Asian volumes rose. This highlights a larger trend toward nearshoring and supplier diversification as shippers hedge against geopolitical risks. Ports in Vietnam and Thailand, in particular, are seeing an uptick in U.S. bound capacity.
Here’s How Imperative Logistics Group Can Support You:
To help you stay ahead of ongoing trade changes, Imperative Logistics provides:
- Dynamic customs planning: We continuously monitor tariff timelines and help you optimize using bonded programs and compliant strategies to minimize duty exposure.
- Trade-lane diversification: Tailor shipments via Southeast Asia, Mexico, or Canada to reduce dependence on at-risk routes.
- Real-time visibility & contingency routing: Proactive monitoring of port and carrier trends to preempt delays or sudden trade barriers.
- Regulatory support: Assistance navigating customs changes (e.g. steel and aluminum tariffs) and leveraging benefits under the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement.
Need help navigating classifications, reviewing documentation, or rethinking sourcing options? We are here to help, contact us. For further insight, check out the latest Tariff Fact Sheet below.
View the latest Tariff Information:
The U.S. has pushed the start of broad new tariffs to August 1, allowing companies more time to adjust shipping and compliance strategies.
This highlights the need for flexible sourcing and logistics strategies, as policy unpredictability can impact planning, lead times, and supplier relationships.
China expressed concerns over the proposed U.S. tariffs and indicated it may respond if the measures are implemented.
Tension signals potential disruptions for global supply chains, making it crucial for importers to reassess sourcing strategies and prepare for possible delays or regulatory shifts.
Efforts are underway by U.S. authorities to investigate and prevent tariff fraud, including mislabeling goods and routing shipments through third countries to avoid duties.
This signals to supply chain stakeholders stricter enforcement and a growing need to ensure accurate documentation, compliance, and visibility across all import activities.
Copper thefts have surged by 61% in early 2025, driven by record-high prices and the anticipated 50% U.S. import tariff, making copper shipments a prime target for organized cargo theft.
Supply chain stakeholders see the critical need to strengthen freight security protocols, such as GPS tracking, secure route planning
In response to Texas flooding, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued an emergency waiver to speed up delivery of critical supplies.
Imperative Cares is actively contributing to the relief effort by supporting organizations providing meals and resources to affected communities.
