April 9, 2025–Top Stories
White House Update
Tariff Update: AAEI Calls for Indefinite Pause
The Trump Administration announced a 125% tariff on Chinese imports today, effective immediately, along with a 90-day pause and reduced 10% tariff for more than 75 countries engaged in trade discussions. AAEI urges the Administration to pause all tariffs indefinitely to allow negotiations to continue without further disruption to global trade and supply chains. Read AAEI’s full statement.
In response to the Trump Administration’s recent tariff actions, AAEI’s Customs Committee launched a Tariff Working Group. The next meeting is on Tuesday, April 22 at 2:00 p.m. EDT and will focus on Rules of Origin.
If you are interested this working group or a Committee, please visit AAEI’s Member Hub to join. After logging in, click “My Info” and add the Working Group to “Lists/Committees.”
Stay informed of tariff changes using AAEI’s Presidential Actions Timeline.
Legislative Update
The Senate Finance Committee held a hearing yesterday to discuss President Trump’s trade policy agenda for 2025. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer testified, stating that President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs would have no exceptions, including for products that rely on inputs not produced in the U.S. Read more.
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced a bill last week to reassert Congress’ authority over tariffs. Under the legislation, all new tariffs would expire after 60 days unless explicitly approved by Congress.
A dozen House Republicans are reportedly considering signing on to Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE)’s bill to restrict President Trump’s ability to impose tariffs without Congressional approval.
Regulatory Update
CBP released a statement yesterday on the implementation of President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, including a summary of all the tariffs that CBP is collecting under the various Presidential powers President Trump has invoked.
Industry Insight
New U.S. tariffs introduced on April 2nd have added layers of complexity for importers, but AI-assisted trade software can help navigate the challenges. Leslie Levy August and Todd R. Smith of KYG Trade explain how to leverage advanced tools to analyze reciprocal tariffs, qualify for FTA benefits, and meet audit-ready documentation standards.
AAEI’s Annual Conference & Trade Day features sessions on how to use AI in your trade compliance practice. Learn more and register.
Responses to "Liberation Day":
- Canada imposed 25% tariffs on American automobiles in response to President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcement last week.
- The Mexican Economy Minister said last week that Mexico hopes to reach a deal with the Trump Administration to address the new tariffs on steel, aluminum, automotives, and auto parts.
- The European Union responded to last week’s “Liberation Day” tariffs with tariffs of 10-25% in three rounds on a broad range of U.S. exports.
- The WTO Director stated last week that President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs would cause world trade to reduce by about 1% in 2025.
More Stories to Stay Informed:
- Emily Ley Paper, a Florida small business, and the New Civil Liberties Alliance are filing suit against President Trump’s use of IEEPA to impose tariffs on China.
- President Trump announced an Executive Order last week that would extend the delay on the nationwide TikTok ban until June 19, 2025.
- BIS reportedly reinstated its pause on export license applications last week.
