March 19, 2025–Top Stories
White House Update
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated yesterday that President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs are set to take effect on April 2, 2025. In the interview, Bessent expressed optimism that these tariffs will bring U.S. trading partners to the negotiating table.
In response to the Trump Administration’s recent tariff actions, AAEI’s Customs Committee is launching a Tariff Working Group. The first meeting is next Tuesday, March 25, at 2:00 p.m. EDT.
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.”
Regulatory Update
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated last week that all federal actions on immigration and cross-border commerce are exempt from the Administrative Procedure Act’s judicial review and rulemaking standards, given that they “constitute a foreign affairs function.”
Industry Insight
With evolving trade remedies and compliance risks, industry leaders are calling on CBP to enhance ACE processing to improve accuracy and streamline duty calculations. Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A. highlights trade community concerns as importers navigate the complexities of multiple tariffs.
More Stories to Stay Informed:
- The BIS final rule on Connected Vehicles took effect two days ago, establishing regulations to mitigate national security risks from transactions of foreign information and communications technology and services (ICTS) used in connected vehicles.
- BIS launched its refreshed website last week, featuring hourly updated federal register notices, advisory opinions, and a new FAQ page. The website includes a new ECCN search tool.
- USTR Jamieson Greer tapped Jennifer Thornton to be general counsel at USTR, the highest legal position at the agency. Thornton worked at USTR during most of President Barack Obama’s second term.
- The U.S. has reportedly accepted separate consultation requests from China and Canada to discuss the recent tariffs. The U.S. also rejected the suggestion that the WTO has the right to rule on U.S. tariff actions, citing that the tariffs are issues of national security and not capable of resolution by WTO dispute settlement.
- The U.S. Postal Service reportedly aims to cut 10,000 jobs at the agency using a voluntary early retirement program over the next 30 days to reduce costs.
- The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission’s next hearing is scheduled for Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. EDT. The hearing is open to members of the public.
- The Federal Maritime Commission released a notice last week that it is initiating a non-adjudicatory investigation into transit constraints at international maritime chokepoints. AAEI’s Supply Chain Resiliency committee plans to submit comments, due May 13, 2025. Questions or feedback can be sent to [email protected].
- USTR is seeking written comments regarding potential trade action regarding the Section 301 investigation of China’s targeting of maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors for dominance, due March 24. AAEI’s Supply Chain Resiliency Committee is seeking feedback from members. Please send questions or feedback to [email protected].
- Registration for the 2025 Trade Facilitation and Cargo Security (TFCS) Summit opened today at 2:30 p.m. EDT.
AAEI Actions:
- AAEI submitted comments to CBP this week on the proposed process for entry of de minimis shipments, emphasizing the need for streamlined compliance, fair application across shipping methods, and minimal additional burdens on businesses. AAEI urged CBP to align the final rule with existing policies and avoid changes that could increase costs or complexity for importers.
- AAEI submitted comments to CBP last week in response to the Interim Final Rule on USMCA, particularly the restrictions on Drawback and Duty Deferral programs. AAEI urges CBP to clarify the definition of what is considered a good subject to USMCA drawback, among other recommendations. AAEI’s Drawback Committee meets next on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. EDT.
- AAEI submitted comments to USTR last week, providing guidance on the Administration’s review of “non-reciprocal trade arrangements.” The comments urge the Administration to use existing trade statutes—not emergency powers—to ensure regulatory stability, provide time for adjustment, dispel confusion, and allow expert input.
