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RARE EARTH METAL TARIFF?: White House Orders Section 232 Investigation Into Critical Minerals

Earlier last week the Trump Administration set into motion a process that could see more tariffs placed on a host of goods. On April 15, 2025, by executive order (the “Executive Order”), President Trump ordered an investigation pursuant to Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 into “critical minerals and their derivative products.” What are “critical minerals”? The […]

Chinese Shipping Hit With Section 301 Sanctions

On April 17, 2025 the United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) announced sanctions against the Chinese shipping and maritime industry, including logistics and shipbuilding. These actions come at the end of a year-long investigation initiated by the Biden Administration. Here’s what we know, based on the press release. THE INVESTIGATION In the announcement, the USTR summarized its findings: U.S. Trade Representative determined […]

TARIFF RELIEF: Country-Specific Tariffs Paused 90 Days For All Except China

The tariff situation globally continues to change rapidly. Just this afternoon, on April 9, 2025, President Trump announced a relaxing of his sweeping tariff plan.  Background On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order imposing “reciprocal tariffs” that touch and concern just about every good imported into the United States. In the beginning, all imported articles were […]

De Minimis Tariffs Raised

In response to tariff retaliation from China, the Trump Administration has increased the duty rates on Chinese goods that previously qualified for de minimis duty free treatment. Background Beginning on February 1, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14195 titled “Imposing Duties to Address the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China.” In addition to imposing an […]

CHINA TARIFFS AT 104%: Rates Raised On Most Goods

On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the White House signed off on a 50% increase to the Reciprocal Tariff on China, bringing the total of general tariffs on Chinese imports to 104%. This escalation comes as China retaliated against the 34% Reciprocal Tariff with its own tariff of 34%. Background: Tariffs on Chinese Goods Starting on February 1, 2025, President Trump […]

De Minimis Exception Eliminated For Chinese Goods

On April 2, 2025 President Trump signed an executive order finally eliminating de minimis duty free treatment on goods from China, ending a long saga of regulatory changes. Beginning on February 1, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14195 titled “Imposing Duties to Address the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China.” In addition to imposing an […]

Reciprocal tariffs explained by tariff lawyers

On Wednesday, April 2, 2025 President Trump signed an executive order (the “EO”) that stands to be the most consequential of his presidency; the EO imposes “reciprocal tariffs” that touch and concern just about every good imported into the United States. While reciprocal tariffs were part of the President’s platform throughout the election cycle, their arrival has caused no small […]

TARIFF ON AUTOS, PARTS INCOMING: Helpful information you need to know

On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order (the “EO”) directing a 25% on automobiles and certain automobile parts. As of this writing, there are a few key details missing because the accompanying Federal Register notice has not been published. However, here is what we know so far. Background On February 19, 2019, pursuant to Section 232 […]

The End of MC Numbers: A New Era for Freight Brokers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is on the brink of implementing one of its most significant regulatory changes in recent years. Effective October 1, 2025, the FMCSA eliminates the use of Motor Carrier (MC) numbers, transitioning entirely to USDOT numbers as the sole identifier for all registrants. This modernization effort is designed to streamline processes, enhance security, and […]