If keeping up with U.S. trade policy feels like a full-time job these days, that’s because it practically is. The rapid rollout of 2025 tariffs—many issued without warning—has created serious challenges for importers and exporters trying to plan, price and stay compliant. To help businesses stay informed, Shipping Solutions hosted a two-part webinar series with international trade attorney Adams Lee of Harris Sliwoski to unpack the 2025 tariffs and answer your most pressing questions:
- The 2025 Tariffs: Framework, Facts and Forecasts
- Ask Me Anything: The 2025 Tariffs
Together, these sessions offered clear analysis and answers to the most pressing questions about new tariff policies, compliance challenges and mitigation strategies. Below are some of the key takeaways—and if you missed the live events, the links above will take you to the full recordings so you can watch the full discussions on demand.
A Complex and Expanding Tariff Regime
In the first session, Adams walked attendees through the new legal framework President Trump is using to implement tariffs in 2025. Unlike his first term, many of these tariffs:
- Bypass notice and comment periods that were standard under Section 301 and 232.
- Rely on IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) and the National Emergencies Act, allowing unilateral executive action—though the Court of International Trade (CIT) recently ruled that IEEPA cannot be used to levy tariffs. That decision is being appealed and could ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court, creating further uncertainty for importers and exporters.
- Target entire countries or industries without detailed injury findings.
Among the key tariff types discussed:
- Section 301 Tariffs: Targeting China and other countries for trade practices and digital service taxes.
- Section 232 Tariffs: National security tariffs reinstated and expanded for steel, aluminum and new targets like copper, lumber, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and autos.
- IEEPA: Used as the basis for several different tariffs:
- Fentanyl: 20% tariffs on China for fentanyl-related issues.
- Reciprocal: 10–50% tariffs on imports from over 50 countries (most currently on hold).
- De minimis: Not a tariff, but the de minimis exemption for goods under $800 has been eliminated.
- Secondary Tariffs: Purchasers of oil from Venezuela, for example.
(For a more detailed explanation of the different tariff types, subscribe now to Passages Premium and watch our series of videos explaining how they work—only available to Premium subscribers.)
Tariff Stacking: How High Can It Go?
One of the most confusing aspects for importers is tariff stacking—the cumulative impact of multiple tariff programs on the same import. And the rules have tended to change with each new tariff announcement.
During the AMA session, Adams explained stacking of China tariffs in detail and clarified that:
- An executive order was issued to eliminate the stacking of some, but not all, of the tariffs.
- Chinese products can easily be subject to 50%+ cumulative tariffs and are not exempt from much of the tariff stacking.
- Goods that qualify under USMCA are exempt from fentanyl tariffs.
- Just like tariffs, which tariffs stack are also fluctuating so importers need to stay on top of updates.
Shipping Solutions Import Controls software is the easiest way to find the correct tariff rates for your products—so you’re not guessing which duties apply or risking costly surprises. The video below walks you through how to use this tool to get accurate, up-to-date tariff information.
Country of Origin: Legal Ways to Shift Production
Trying to avoid Chinese tariffs by moving your supply chain? Be careful. Here’s some of what Adams discussed (watch the AMA for his interpretation of real-world scenarios:
- Legal strategy: Substantial transformation in a third country—where the product becomes new in name, character or use—can change the country of origin.
- Illegal strategy: Transshipping Chinese goods through another country or mislabeling country of origin.
- Legal strategy: Getting an official CBP ruling on a different classification.
- Illegal strategy: Changing classification and declaring an invalid HTS number.
When it comes to country of origin, if you’re pursuing free trade agreements like the United-States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to avoid tariffs, be prepared for:
- Complex tariff shift and regional value content rules.
- Significant documentation requirements.
- Stringent standards for auto parts, steel and aluminum content.
Valuation: Lowering Costs Without Breaking the Law
Another common question: Can we lower declared values to reduce tariffs?
Yes, but only if it’s legitimate.
- The declared value must reflect the actual transaction price.
- Assists like molds, designs and engineering outside the U.S. must be included.
- You may be able to separately invoice services like R&D or royalties to reduce the declared customs value—if done correctly.
Watch the AMA for more discussion on what needs to be included in the price of the product, or read more here:
Duty Drawback: Can You Get Tariff Refunds?
Some tariffs are eligible for duty drawback—refunds for duties paid on imports that are later exported or destroyed. But not all tariffs qualify.
Eligible:
- Reciprocal tariffs
- Original Section 301 (China) tariffs
Not eligible:
- Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs
- IEEPA/fentanyl tariffs
- USMCA-region exemptions
Drawback claims require painstaking documentation—matching imported quantities to exported goods and proving no U.S. consumption. But if you qualify, it can be worth the effort. We explain more about duty drawback here: Duty Drawback on Exports: What You Need to Know.
Practical Questions Answered
Here is a sample of some of the other real-world questions Adams took from exporters and importers during the AMA:
- When do tariffs apply? Tariff rates apply based on entry date, not shipment or sale date.
- What if my broker gets it wrong? You, the importer of record, are liable—not your broker.
- Does DDP protect buyers? Somewhat, but you must still watch for red flags in transactions where suppliers claim to absorb the duties.
How Shipping Solutions Can Help
With this kind of complexity, manual compliance can be tricky. Whether you're classifying goods, identifying tariffs and other import controls, or generating documentation, Shipping Solutions helps you stay ahead of the rules. Sign up for a free trial of our trade compliance software here.
Watch the Webinars On Demand
Didn’t catch the live sessions? You can still view the full recordings:
Watch both sessions to fully understand how these tariffs may impact your business—and how to respond strategically.
We have many more webinars and Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions in the pipeline, covering timely topics that matter most to importers and exporters—like product classification, export documentation, AES filing and staying compliant amid evolving trade regulations. Don’t miss out! Make sure you're subscribed to the Shipping Solutions Blog so you’ll be the first to know when registration opens for upcoming events.
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