March 27, 2025–Top Stories
White House Update
President Trump announced a 25% tariff on imports of automobiles and certain automobile parts today, invoking his Section 232 powers “so that such imports will not threaten to impair national security.” The new tariff will go into effect on April 3 for automobiles and on the date specified in the Federal Register for automobile parts, but no later than May 3.
In response to the Trump Administration’s recent tariff actions, AAEI’s Customs Committee is launching a Tariff Working Group. The next meeting is on Tuesday, April 8 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.”
Legislative Update
Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) introduced the Customs Facilitation Act of 2025 this month to “modernize U.S. customs laws and streamline the movement of goods and services across our borders.”
The legislation would:
- Create a real One U.S. Government at the Border through a workable one-stop-shop for data entry and decision-making.
- Streamline data requirements by providing parameters to ensure the government is receiving the data it needs without overly burdening the trade industry.
- Simplify the duty drawback process.
AAEI’s 21 CCF Working Group contributed greatly to this bill and many of AAEI’s recommendations are included. AAEI will continue to advocate for a House companion bill and full Congressional consideration.
Regulatory Update
BIS added 80 entities to the Entity List this week from China, the UAE, South Africa, Iran, Taiwan, and others for “acting contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States.”
This will be discussed at the next Export & Global Trade Compliance Committee meeting on Thursday, April 17 at 2:00 p.m. EDT.
Industry Insight
The U.S. has introduced a new strategy to incorporate human rights protections into trade deals, but balancing free trade with labor rights remains a complex challenge. Renee Chiuchiarelli of Global Training Center explores how trade policy can address forced labor while facilitating free trade.
More Stories to Stay Informed:
- USTR Jamieson Greer reportedly told Republican Senators this week that there will be more certainty on trade after President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs are announced on April 2.
- President Trump reportedly stated last Friday that he is not open to granting exemptions from the reciprocal tariffs he plans to announce on April 2.
- On Monday, President Trump announced 25% tariffs on any country that imports oil from Venezuela, invoking his Presidential powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
- The House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing this week on American Trade Negotiation Priorities ahead of steps to implement the America First Trade Policy in April. Subcommittee Chairman Adrian Smith (NE-03)’s opening statement can be read here, and the testimonials can be read here.
- USTR held a public hearing this week on the Section 301 China shipbuilding proposed remedies. AAEI’s Supply Chain Resiliency Committee submitted comments to USTR, stating that the proposed actions “will not deter China’s broader maritime ambitions and will instead directly hurt American businesses and consumers.” The committee meets next on Tuesday, April 15 at 3:30 p.m. EDT. Join the committee via the Member Hub.
