April 30, 2025–Top Stories
White House Update
President Trump issued a proclamation yesterday modifying tariffs on imported automobile parts, offering offset incentives for vehicles assembled in the U.S. Manufacturers can apply for tariff relief based on the value of U.S.-assembled vehicles, subject to documentation and approval by the Secretary of Commerce.
President Trump issued an executive order yesterday addressing the overlapping tariffs on imported articles, aiming to prevent tariffs from exceeding “necessary” amounts to achieve policy goals. The order establishes guidelines for determining which tariffs should apply when multiple tariffs are imposed on the same product.
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, May 6th at 2:00 p.m. EDT and will include an Information Session on the False Claims Act and Foreign Trade Zones.
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 confirmation hearing today to consider Rodney Scott, former U.S. Border Patrol Chief, for the position of Commissioner of CBP.
Regulatory Insight
CBP announced that effective May 2, 2025, the de minimis exemption will no longer apply to low-value imports from China and Hong Kong, including international postal shipments.
Industry Insight
China has enforced a 125% retaliatory tariff on all U.S. goods as of April 2025. China has, however, begun recently exempting some U.S. imports on a case-by-case basis, according to Michael Ford of Tradebridge Consulting. Click here to see an unofficial list of HTS numbers and descriptions in Chinese.
More Stories to Stay Informed:
- BIS launched a Section 232 investigation into the imports of critical minerals and derivative products last week. The Notice includes a request for comments due May 16, 2025.
- BIS launched a Section 232 investigation into the imports of trucks, truck parts, and their derivative products last week. The Notice includes a request for comments due May 16, 2025.
- The White House warned Congress earlier this week that it would veto the bipartisan Senate resolution that would end the “Liberation Day” tariffs. The bill, S.J. Res. 49, is expected to come up for a vote this week.
- CBP updated its UFLPA Dashboard with March 2025 data this month.
- The House Homeland Security Committee announced its planned border security budget this week which includes significant funding for CBP staffing and facilities, in addition to a border wall.
- Ha Nguyen McNeill, who served as TSA Chief of Staff during the first Trump Administration, was appointed acting Administrator of the TSA this week.
- The Senate confirmed former Senator David Perdue yesterday as the U.S. Ambassador to China.
AAEI Action:
AAEI met with Peru’s Trade Counselor Emilio Vega today. The conversation focused on how AAEI can support Peru’s outreach to the White House, create a strategic partnership between AAEI and Peru for export promotion, and provide technical guidance on tariff mitigation.
Peru will join us at AAEI’s Annual Conference & Trade Day on June 26-27, 2025. Click here to register.
