U.S. & China Identify Products for Potential Tariff Relief

We’re continuing to monitor developments in U.S.–China trade policy, including a recent announcement that could eventually provide tariff relief for certain products moving between the two countries.

More Than 75 Chinese Products Under Consideration

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) recently released a list of more than 75 Chinese products being considered for more favorable tariff treatment when imported into the United States.

The recommendations are part of a new U.S.–China trade framework focused on approximately $30 billion in non-sensitive goods from each country.

Products under consideration for improved treatment on the U.S. side include a variety of consumer and other goods imported from China.

China has also identified approximately $30 billion in U.S. exports that could potentially receive more favorable treatment entering the Chinese market.

What Does This Mean for Importers?

For now, this should be viewed as a development to watch rather than an immediate tariff change.

The identified products have been recommended for potential favorable tariff treatment, and additional implementation details will be needed before importers can determine exactly how or when individual products may benefit.

Companies importing goods from China may want to review the product list to determine whether any of their merchandise has been identified.

What Comes Next?

As additional guidance becomes available, the details—including applicable products, tariff treatment and implementation timing—will become clearer.

Richard Murray & Co. will continue monitoring U.S.–China trade developments and will keep our customers informed of changes that may affect their imports.

If you have questions about your current imports from China, tariff classifications or applicable duties, please reach out to our Customs Brokerage team.

Learn More

View the Products Recommended for the U.S.–China Trade Framework

Important Trade Update: Import Ban on Certain Canadian Products Effective September 29

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued new guidance regarding certain Canadian products that will be prohibited from importation into the United States beginning September 29, 2026.

This represents an important change from the additional Section 338 duties previously imposed on certain Canadian goods.

Effective September 29

Beginning at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on September 29, 2026, certain Canadian products identified in Presidential Proclamations 11061, 11062 and 11063 will be excluded from importation into the United States.

For covered products, this means they cannot be:

  • Entered for consumption
  • Transported in-bond
  • Admitted into a Foreign Trade Zone
  • Entered into a bonded warehouse

CBP will reject entries containing covered products that are subject to the prohibition.

What Products Are Affected?

The restrictions apply to specifically identified Canadian products within certain HTSUS classifications involving:

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Dairy and related products
  • Certain motor vehicle-related products

Not every product falling within these general categories is necessarily prohibited. Applicability depends on the specific HTSUS classification and, in some cases, additional scope requirements outlined in the applicable Presidential Proclamation.

For alcoholic beverages in particular, certain packaging and other scope limitations apply.

What About Goods Already Imported?

Covered products imported before 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on September 29 may remain eligible for entry.

Certain affected goods that were placed into a bonded warehouse or admitted into a Foreign Trade Zone before the prohibition takes effect may also be withdrawn for consumption, but will remain subject to the applicable 50% additional Section 338 duty.

Importers Should Review Upcoming Canadian Shipments

If you have affected merchandise currently moving from Canada or shipments planned for arrival on or after September 29, we recommend reviewing them as soon as possible.

Our Customs Brokerage team can assist with reviewing classifications and determining whether a particular product falls within the scope of the new import restrictions.

Richard Murray & Co. will continue monitoring CBP guidance and trade developments and will keep our customers informed as additional information becomes available.

If you have questions about an upcoming Canadian shipment, please contact your Richard Murray & Co. representative.

Asia Port Disruptions & Ocean Freight Trends

We wanted to share a few current developments across the global shipping market that may impact transit times, routing, and overall supply chain planning in the weeks ahead.

Weather Disruptions Continue Across Asia

Recent typhoon activity in China has created additional challenges for ocean carriers and shippers, including temporary port closures, vessel delays, skipped port calls, rolled cargo, and increased transshipment activity.

Shanghai and Ningbo have experienced significant disruption, while congestion and elevated yard utilization are also being reported at several other major Asian ports.

For importers with cargo moving through China or other parts of Asia, these conditions may result in longer transit times and schedule changes even after ports resume normal operations.

Ocean Carriers Begin Returning to the Suez Canal

Ocean carriers are also gradually increasing their use of the Suez Canal after an extended period of routing vessels around the Cape of Good Hope.

The shorter Suez routing can reduce transit time and fuel consumption, but the transition could also have broader implications for available vessel capacity and ocean freight rates as more services return to normal routing.

Security conditions in the Red Sea remain an important consideration, and carrier strategies may continue to change.

Larger Vessels Coming to Long Beach

The Port of Long Beach is preparing for regular calls from vessels exceeding 23,000 TEUs as carriers increase vessel size on certain trans-Pacific services.

While Southern California terminals have the infrastructure to handle these ships, larger vessel calls can create significant cargo surges and place additional pressure on terminal, trucking, and rail operations.

What Shippers Should Watch

With weather disruptions in Asia, changing vessel routings, and continued fluctuations in global container demand, importers should remain prepared for:

  • Schedule changes and port omissions
  • Longer transit and connection times
  • Potential congestion at origin and destination ports
  • Changes in available capacity and ocean freight rates

Our team will continue monitoring global shipping conditions and communicating developments that may affect our customers.

If you have questions about an upcoming shipment, routing options, or current market conditions, please reach out to the Richard Murray & Co. team.

CAPE Refund Progress & New Canadian Counter-Tariffs

We’re keeping a close eye on two developments that may be important for importers and companies doing business across the U.S.-Canada border.

CBP has provided a significant update on the progress of IEEPA tariff refunds through CAPE, while Canada has announced a new round of counter-tariffs on certain U.S. goods beginning in September.

Here’s what you need to know.

CAPE Update: $132.5 Billion in IEEPA Refunds Processed

CBP recently provided the U.S. Court of International Trade with an update on the progress of IEEPA tariff refunds through the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) system.

As of August 21:

  • Approximately 26.4 million entries with IEEPA duties had been processed through CAPE
  • Those entries represent approximately $132.5 billion in potential and certified refunds
  • Approximately 2.3 million entries flagged for reconciliation have been successfully filed in CAPE and are positioned for processing

While the numbers show significant progress, one issue continues to stand out.

ACH Information Remains Critical

CBP reported that 22,170 refunds totaling approximately $1.7 billion have not been transmitted to Treasury because the Importer of Record—or an authorized designee—has not provided the required ACH account information.

If you are expecting an IEEPA tariff refund, this is another important reminder to make sure your electronic refund information is properly established and current with CBP.

CAPE Phase 3 Temporarily Delayed

CBP has also temporarily delayed deployment of CAPE Phase 3, which is intended to address certain finally liquidated entries for plaintiffs where the Court has ordered reliquidation.

The delay will allow CBP to add further system validations designed to ensure that processing these entries results only in the appropriate IEEPA duty refund adjustments.

Importantly, CAPE Phases 1 and 2 remain operational and are not affected by the Phase 3 delay.

We’ll continue monitoring CBP and Court updates regarding the timing of Phase 3.

Canada Announces New Counter-Tariffs on U.S. Goods

In a separate trade development, Canada has announced plans to impose additional tariffs on hundreds of U.S.-origin products in response to the United States’ recently implemented 50% Section 338 tariffs on certain Canadian imports.

The Canadian counter-tariffs will range from 15% to 50%, depending on the product.

Effective September 8, 2026

The new tariffs are scheduled to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on September 8.

Affected goods already in transit to Canada on the effective date will not be subject to the new tariffs.

The measures apply specifically to qualifying U.S.-origin goods under applicable Canadian country-of-origin rules.

Products Affected

Canada’s announcement includes a broad range of products. Examples include:

  • 50% tariffs: Certain steel and aluminum products, furniture, clothing and apparel
  • 25% tariffs: Certain appliances, dairy products, fish and seafood, and certain steel and aluminum derivative products
  • Additional products will be subject to other counter-tariff rates

Existing Canadian counter-tariffs on certain U.S. goods, including automobiles, also remain in place.

Companies exporting U.S. goods to Canada should review the affected product list and evaluate whether upcoming shipments may be subject to the new duties.

What We’re Watching Next

Trade measures between the United States and Canada continue to evolve, and additional U.S. action in response to Canada’s announcement remains possible.

At the same time, CBP continues to develop and refine the CAPE process for IEEPA tariff refunds.

Richard Murray & Co. will continue monitoring both developments and keep our customers informed as additional guidance becomes available.

If you have questions regarding your CAPE refund status, ACH enrollment, or how current tariff measures may affect your imports, please reach out to our Customs Brokerage team.

Section 338 Canada Tariffs Delayed to August 22

Effective Date Delayed to August 22

The additional 50% Section 338 tariffs, originally scheduled to take effect today, August 19, have been delayed until August 22, 2026.

The new tariffs are now scheduled to apply to covered goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. EDT on August 22.

The three-day delay comes as trade discussions between the United States and Canada continue.

What Importers Should Know

For now, companies importing affected Canadian products should continue planning as though the 50% additional tariff will take effect on August 22.

A few important reminders:

  • The tariffs apply to certain products identified in the proclamations involving motor vehicles, alcoholic beverages, and dairy
  • Covered products may be subject to the additional tariff even when they qualify for preferential treatment under USMCA
  • The Section 338 tariff will stack with other applicable duties
  • Certain products are excluded, including specified energy products, potash, products subject to Section 232 duties, and other qualifying goods

This Situation Is Still Evolving

With negotiations ongoing, additional changes or clarification could be announced before August 22.

Richard Murray & Co. is monitoring developments closely and will keep you informed of any changes that could impact your imports.

If you have questions about an upcoming Canadian shipment or whether your products may be affected, please reach out to our Customs Brokerage team.

Read the Latest Section 338 Update

Trade & Compliance Update: IOR Validation, CTPAT & Canada Tariffs

It’s been a busy summer in the world of customs and trade compliance, and we wanted to take a moment to highlight three developments that should be on importers’ radar.

From increased scrutiny of Importer of Record information to new enforcement expectations and tariffs affecting certain Canadian goods, here’s what you need to know.

Is Your Importer of Record Information Up to Date?

CBP is increasing its focus on the accuracy and completeness of Importer of Record (IOR) information.

Beginning September 18, CBP plans to begin voiding IOR numbers when required information on CBP Form 5106 is determined to be incomplete or inaccurate. A voided IOR number cannot be used to enter merchandise into the United States.

What Importers Should Do

Now is a good time to review the information associated with your IOR number, including:

  • Company name and identification information
  • Mailing and physical addresses
  • Phone number and email address
  • Other information submitted to CBP through Form 5106

Importers should make sure information provided to CBP is accurate, complete, and directly associated with the Importer of Record.

Read More: CBP to Begin Voiding IOR Numbers for Incomplete or Inaccurate Information

CTPAT Takes on Greater Importance

As CBP moves toward a more enforcement-focused environment, participation in the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) may become increasingly valuable.

New enforcement initiatives are expected to place greater emphasis on importer vetting and due diligence, particularly when customs brokers represent foreign Importers of Record.

Among the information brokers may be expected to verify are an importer’s identity, ownership structure, business affiliations, U.S. assets, compliance history, import activity, and ability to meet its duty and fee obligations.

For foreign IORs in particular, CTPAT participation could become an important consideration when determining how entries are filed and which customs brokers can represent them.

Read More: CTPAT Validation and the Changing Enforcement Environment

Effective Today: Section 338 Tariffs on Certain Canadian Imports

Importers should also be aware of the 50% Section 338 tariffs scheduled to take effect today, August 19, on certain products imported from Canada.

The measures are expected to affect approximately 5% of U.S. imports from Canada, and importantly, USMCA eligibility does not necessarily protect an affected product from these Section 338 duties.

Negotiations between the United States and Canada have continued, meaning the situation remains fluid. Unless official guidance changes the implementation, however, importers should plan for the tariffs to apply.

If your company imports affected Canadian products, we encourage you to review current and upcoming shipments with your customs team.

Read More: Section 338 Tariffs on Imports from Canada

We’re Here to Help

Customs enforcement and trade policy continue to evolve quickly, and small changes can have significant implications for importers.

Richard Murray & Co. will continue monitoring these developments and sharing information as new guidance becomes available.

If you have questions about your IOR information, CTPAT, Canadian imports, or other customs compliance matters, please reach out to our team. We’re always happy to help you understand how these changes may affect your business.

Contact the Richard Murray & Co. team at customs@richard-murray.com.

CBP Issues Guidance on Section 301 Forced Labor Duties

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued implementation guidance for the Section 301 Forced Labor duties announced by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).

These additional duties apply to imports from 60 specified economies and become effective for goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. ET on July 24, 2026.

What You Need to Know

CBP has released filing instructions outlining how these new Section 301 duties will be administered, including:

  • New Chapter 99 tariff classifications for affected imports
  • Country-specific duty rates of 10% or 12.5%, depending on the country of origin
  • General and country-specific exemptions
  • Entry filing requirements and HTS reporting sequence
  • Foreign Trade Zone guidance for qualifying merchandise

Transit Exception

CBP also provides a limited transit exception for qualifying shipments.

The additional duties generally will not apply to articles that:

  • Were loaded onto the final vessel or mode of transportation before 12:01 a.m. ET on July 24, 2026, and
  • Are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, before 12:01 a.m. ET on July 28, 2026.

What Importers Should Do

If your company imports products from any of the affected economies, now is a good time to:

  • Review upcoming shipments and entry dates
  • Confirm the country of origin and applicable tariff classification
  • Determine whether any available exemptions may apply
  • Evaluate the potential impact on landed costs and customs entries

Our Customs Brokerage team is actively monitoring these changes and is available to help determine how the new guidance may affect your shipments.

Learn More

For complete implementation guidance, including the list of affected economies, applicable Chapter 99 classifications, exemptions, and filing instructions, please review the official resources below:

We’re Here to Help

As additional guidance becomes available from CBP and USTR, Richard Murray & Co. will continue to keep our customers informed with timely trade updates.

If you have questions regarding your imports or how these new requirements may affect your business, please contact the Richard Murray & Co. team at customs@richard-murray.com.

New Section 338 Tariffs Announced on Certain Canadian Imports

      We wanted to make you aware of a significant trade development that may affect companies importing products from Canada.

      On July 20, 2026, three Presidential Proclamations were issued invoking Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 to impose additional duties on certain Canadian products.

      This marks the first known use of Section 338 to impose tariffs, making it an important development for importers to monitor.

      What Is Section 338?

      Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 provides authority to impose additional duties on products from countries determined to be engaging in discriminatory trade practices that negatively impact U.S. commerce.

      Unlike other trade measures, Section 338 does not include a specified expiration period, meaning these duties could remain in effect unless modified or revoked through future government action.

      What’s Changing?

      The proclamations establish an additional 50% ad valorem duty on certain Canadian products in response to three separate trade issues identified by the Administration:

      • Canadian tariff-rate quotas affecting U.S. dairy products
      • Restrictions on the importation and sale of certain U.S. alcoholic beverages
      • Canada’s tariff treatment of certain U.S. motor vehicles that do not qualify for duty-free treatment under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)

      The specific products subject to these duties are identified within the annexes accompanying each proclamation.

      Effective Date

      The additional duties are scheduled to become effective:

      August 19, 2026

      12:01 a.m. Eastern Time

      Importers of Canadian goods should review upcoming shipments to determine whether any products may fall within the affected tariff classifications.

      What Importers Should Do

      If your business imports products from Canada, now is a good time to:

      • Review product classifications and country of origin
      • Determine whether any current or future shipments may be affected
      • Evaluate potential cost impacts on imports arriving on or after the effective date

      Our team is available to help review classifications and discuss how these changes may affect your supply chain.

      Learn More

      For those who would like to review the official product lists and tariff classifications, we’ve included links to the annexes below.

      Dairy Products

      Alcoholic Beverages

      Motor Vehicles

      We’re Here to Help

      As additional guidance becomes available from CBP and other federal agencies, we’ll continue to share timely updates to help our customers navigate the evolving trade landscape.

      If you have questions about these new Section 338 duties or how they may impact your imports, please contact the Richard Murray & Co. team at customs@richard-murray.com.

      New Tariffs on Brazilian Imports Effective July 22

          U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced new guidance regarding additional tariffs on imports from Brazil, with the new measures becoming effective July 22, 2026.

          Important Effective Date

          The additional tariffs will apply to all entries entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after July 22, 2026.

          Temporary Transit Exception

          A temporary exception is available for qualifying shipments that:

          • Were loaded onto their final mode of transportation before July 22, 2026, and
          • Are entered for consumption before 11:59 p.m. EDT on July 29, 2026.

          For purposes of this exception, “on the water” means the goods must already be aboard their final mode of transportation prior to the July 22 effective date.

            What You Need to Know

            CBP has released implementation guidance outlining new tariff requirements on certain imports from Brazil. These changes may impact duty calculations, entry filing requirements, and overall landed costs for affected importers.

            If your company imports products from Brazil, now is a good time to review any shipments currently in transit, as well as those scheduled to depart in the coming days, to determine whether they may be impacted by the July 22 effective date.

            We’re Monitoring the Details

            The Richard Murray & Co. team is actively reviewing the guidance and monitoring any additional instructions released by CBP.

            As more information becomes available, we’ll continue providing timely updates and practical guidance to help our customers remain informed and prepared.

            If you have questions about a current shipment or how these tariff changes may impact your imports, please reach out to your Richard Murray & Co. representative.

            Learn More

            For the complete CBP announcement and implementation details, please review the official guidance below:

            🔗 Brazil 301 Final Action FRN 7-15-2026

            Thank you for trusting Richard Murray & Co. as your customs brokerage and trade compliance partner.

            CBP Update: IEEPA Duty Refund Process (CAPE)

                We want to share an important update from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regarding a new process that may create refund opportunities for importers who have paid duties under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

                CBP is introducing a new system within the ACE Portal called CAPE (Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries), which is designed to streamline how these duty refunds are requested and processed. This update follows recent court rulings directing CBP to remove IEEPA-related duties from certain entries and issue refunds where applicable.

                What you should know:

                • Centralized refund process: Eligible refunds will be grouped together and issued as consolidated payments rather than processed individually by entry
                • Electronic submission required: Refund requests must be submitted through the ACE Portal using a CAPE declaration
                • Automated duty review: CBP will remove applicable IEEPA tariffs and recalculate duties to determine refund amounts
                • Expected timing: Refunds are generally anticipated within 60–90 days after a claim is accepted, depending on CBP review
                • Electronic payment: Refunds will be issued via ACH, so ensuring your banking details in ACE are current is important

                Additional considerations:

                • The initial rollout applies to certain unliquidated entries and those within a limited timeframe after liquidation
                • Certain entry types or conditions (e.g., protests, drawback, or other restrictions) may impact eligibility
                • Importers or their authorized brokers must initiate the process through ACE

                We are currently reviewing how this process applies across our customer base and will be following up with additional information, including how we can assist with filings.

                In the meantime, if you believe you may have entries impacted by IEEPA duties, we recommend reviewing your records and confirming your ACE Portal access and ACH enrollment are up to date.

                Please reach out to our team with any questions—we’re here to help you navigate this process.