Background

Additional tariffs on imports from Mexico will reportedly be suspended for a month, but at press time tariffs on imports from China and Canada were still expected to take effect Feb. 4.

ST&R offers a three-pronged approach to avoiding, mitigating, and/or recovering these and other tariffs on imported goods. For more information on the impact of the new tariffs, and which of these strategies might be most effective for your business, please contact ST&R.

President Trump issued Feb. 1 executive orders imposing additional tariffs on imports from China, Canada, and Mexico following his declaration of a national emergency with respect to the flow of narcotics and illegal immigrants across U.S. borders.

On Feb. 3 the president announced via social media that the tariffs on imports from Mexico would be paused for one month while the two sides hold negotiations toward a “deal.” Press reports indicated that Trump was slated to hold a conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau later on Feb. 3, but there has been no indication as to whether those talks could prompt Trump to grant similar tariff relief to Canada. There have been no reports yet of any similar discussions with China.

As a result, it appears that the additional 10 percent tariff on imports from China and imports of energy products from Canada, and the additional 25 percent tariff on all other imports from Canada, remain scheduled to take effect at 12:01 a.m. EDT on Feb. 4. Toward that end, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has filed for publication in the Feb. 5 Federal Register of two notices (available here and here) detailing how those tariffs are to be implemented. (No similar notice was filed with respect to Mexico.)

Among other things, these notices indicate the following.

- The tariffs will be imposed on (1) articles that are the product of China (including Hong Kong), and (2) goods of Canada under the rules set forth in 19 USC Part 102 as well as goods that are considered to be substantially transformed in Canada.

- The tariffs will not be imposed on affected goods that were loaded on a vessel or in transit on the final mode of transport before 12:01 a.m. EDT on Feb. 1 provided they are entered or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption before 12:01 a.m. EDT on Feb. 7 (for imports from Canada) or 12:01 a.m. EDT on March 7 (for imports from China).

- De minimis entry will not be available for imports subject to the additional tariffs, and formal entry will be required for all mail shipments from China and Canada.

- Tariff exemptions for goods entered under applicable HTSUS Chapter 98 provisions will be available.

Copyright © 2025 Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.; WorldTrade Interactive, Inc. All rights reserved.

ST&R: International Trade Law & Policy

Since 1977, we have set the standard for international trade lawyers and consultants, providing comprehensive and effective customs, import and export services to clients worldwide.

View Our Services 

Close

Cookie Consent

We have updated our Privacy Policy relating to our use of cookies on our website and the sharing of information. By continuing to use our website or subscribe to our publications, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.