Two Minutes in Trade

Are section 122 tariffs just in search of justification? IMF dents the balance of payment argument. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

The USTR says 301 investigations on various topics will begin within days. These country-specific tariffs, along with the 232 product-specific tariffs, are meant to provide "continuity" for the IEEPA level tariffs. We discuss what investigations might be forthcoming and the longer path that could lead to new tariffs.  

After the IEEPA tariffs fall, who decides the refund process? The Courts? Or Congress? Listen to Two Minutes In Trade for more info

#TMIT Tariff whiplash! IEEPA's out but Section 122 in at 10%. Or wait is it 15%? Listen for more on Two Minutes In Trade.  

In a monumental 6-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Trump Administration's tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), making clear that, in the eyes of the majority, regulating trade and taxing it are not the same thing and that nothing in IEEPA's text, structure, or history shows that Congress intended to quietly hand over unlimited tariff power to the Executive Branch.  

The CPSC recently posted to its website a list of about 600 HTSUS numbers that it believes are likely to include products for which certificate of compliance information will have to be submitted electronically beginning July 8.

The U.S. government has issued a "Maritime Action Plan", calling for new fees on imported goods via land or sea. These actions are aligned with Congressional efforts to raise revenue for updating port infrastructure and revitalizing the U.S. shipbuilding industry.  

The CBP Base Metals Center just revised its guidance to address the treatment of U.S. metals. Still, importers must carefully consider whether their goods qualify for U.S. origin to potentially avoid Section 232 and IEEPA tariffs altogether.

On February 9, 2026, the US and Bangladesh issued a Joint Statement regarding a new bilateral trade framework agreement. The new agreement will provide additional market access for US products entering Bangladesh. It also lays the groundwork for a zero reciprocal rate on Bangladeshi textile and apparel products entering the U.S., subject to the condition that they contain U.S. inputs.

Congress rediscovers the Emergency break with a vote that matters on IEEPA tariffs - but just not yet. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

Put America First and preserve the first sale. A new bill would put America last by using the last sale for imports. Listen to Two Minutes in Trade for more info. 

Trade by leverage: at what cost did Bangladesh buy a 1% tariff cut?  Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

It was a Friday Night Special!  Several Presidential actions impacting trade. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade.

The U.S. ended the extra "Russian oil" tariffs on India, moved to reduce or remove several reciprocal and Section 232 tariffs, and launched six months of talks on broader market‑access issues alongside India's stated plans to expand purchases of U.S. goods and lower its own duties.  For more information, listen to Two Minutes in Trade.  

Canada plans to be at the Geopolitical table, not on it. Listen for more info on Two Minutes in Trade. 

It is never too early to prepare for HTSUS changes coming in 2028. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

No more paper trails!  Customs refunds go full electronic this Friday!  Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

CAFTA-ish, because one trade deal wasn't enough - Guatemala and El Salvador sign tariff agreements. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

Is the U.S. embarking on just a review, or an all-out renegotiation of the USMCA? And might we see the single trilateral arrangement morph into two distinct agreements between the U.S. and its neighbors?

When "content" gets contentious. New lawsuit in CIT over CBP's valuation practice for 232 steel and aluminum. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

Build here? Not at these prices. Many investors backing off US plans due to tariffs. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

The FMC is getting involved in a possible supply chain squeeze investigation. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

The deep freeze in Washington, D.C., is both the weather and politics. We could see some agencies' funding lapse. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

CBP's newly updated ACE deployment schedule outlines numerous upcoming system enhancements—many still without firm dates—amid ongoing, rapid‑fire trade policy changes and increasing urgency around electronic refund capabilities ahead of potential 2026 tariff rulings.  For more information, listen to today's Two Minutes in Trade.  

CBP's Forced Labor portal debuts, and you're already behind. Listen to Two Minutes in Trade for more. 

Wax on. Wax off. Keeping a balanced approach to tariffs threatened by social posts. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

DOT is seeking input on contributors to supply chain bottlenecks. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

When I don't follow the rules, it's a problem but when the government doesn't follow the rules, it's still my problem. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

232 tariffs on semiconductors and critical minerals were released; some details on a Taiwan agreement and a new export licensing policy were also announced. Listen to Two Minutes in Trade for more. 

The Congressional Cabaret is in full swing as money, money, money talks continue. Will a shutdown be averted? Listen to Two Minutes in Trade for more. 

2026 is the dawning of the Age of Enforcement. Listen for more details on Two Minutes in Trade. 

Licensed customs brokers who received their licenses prior to 2024 have until January 31, 2027, the end of the current triennial period, to complete 20 continuing education (CE) credits. This update reminds brokers of this requirement and discusses proper recordkeeping.

New Tariffs were put in place on January 1, so Happy New 2026 Tariffs! These tariffs that had been announced all the way back by the Biden administration and cover batteries, facemasks, and medical gloves from China under Section 301.  

On the last day of 2025, the administration issued a proclamation delaying for another year the increase in tariffs on certain upholstered products, kitchen cabinets, and vanities. For more information, listen to today's Two Minutes in Trade.  

On December 22, the FCC added all foreign drones (and critical components) to its Covered List. Without FCC authorization, it will be prohibited to import or sell new foreign drone models in the United States.

Happy holidays! Did we pick your favorite ornaments to adorn our trade Christmas tree?

WRO's and UFLPA remind us why knowing your supply chain is free from forced labor is so important. New WRO on tires from European country today. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

CBP is trying to rewrite history and revoke Nairobi's status for smaller ramps used for wheelchair access to homes. Comments can be submitted. Listen for more info on Two Minutes in Trade.

DOJ says CIT can demand CBP liquidate or reliquidate entries and provide refunds if the IEEPA tariffs are ruled illegal. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

Tariff rates have surged under the current Administration, driving stricter CBP enforcement and a fivefold increase in revenue from entry summary reviews, signaling importers face heightened scrutiny amid evolving trade rules.

A day late, & a dollar short? CBP updates its FAQs on entries exempted from IEEPA tariffs in HTS Ch. 98, but 8 months late. Listen for details on Two Minutes in Trade.

Nicaragua's CAFTA-DR qualifying goods will avoid section 301 tariffs, but tariffs on other goods will be ratcheted up over time to 15%. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

AGOA & Haiti HOPE/HELP programs may be extended retroactively, but there are some problems that need addressing first to make it a true extension. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade.

Hundreds of importers are dashing to the Court of International Trade to enjoin CBP from assessing the IEEPA tariffs. But is it really necessary? And when will know for sure?

Some provisions of the US-S. Korean tariff agreement announced and retroactive to either Nov. 1 or 14. Listen for details on Two Minutes in Trade. 

CIT smacks CBP's hand in EAPA duty evasion case. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade.

Chew ow on this - 178 products excluded from the China section 301 tariffs until November 10, 2026! Listen for more info on Two Minutes in Trade. 

What is helpful and what is hurtful in attracting new FDI to the US? Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

CBO revises its predictions of tariff revenue over the next 10 years downward by $1 trillion. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade.

Let's set the record straight on tariff enforcement! For more information, listen to today's Two Minutes in Trade.