March 5, 2025–Top Stories
White House Update
President Trump’s 25% tariffs on auto imports have reportedly been delayed by one month at the request of auto makers.
In response to the Trump Administration’s recent tariff actions, AAEI’s Customs Committee is launching a Tariff Working Group.
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.”
Read AAEI’s Statement on the new U.S. tariffs, and stay up to date with AAEI’s Presidential Actions Timeline.
Industry Reaction: Major retailers are deciding whether to absorb the costs or raise prices in response to the new tariffs. Read how CEOs are responding.
Regulatory Update
The USTR is seeking written comments regarding trade action in connection with its Section 301 investigation of China’s targeting of the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors for dominance. Per last week’s notice, a public hearing will be held on March 24, 2025, with deadlines for comments and testimony requests starting February 21.
Industry Insight
The recent de minimis pause signals a major shift in trade compliance, e-commerce, and supply chain strategy. Andrew Galloway, Senior VP at J.M. Rodgers Co., breaks down what this means for importers, retailers, and trade compliance professionals. How is your company preparing? Let us know.
Watch the recording of AAEI’s webinar on Navigating De Minimis.
More Stories to Stay Informed:
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) shuffled its senior personnel last week.
- Kevin Kurland was tapped to replace longtime Export Administration official Matt Borman.
- Robert Burkett has taken over as acting undersecretary, replacing James Rockas.
- Jeffrey Kessler has been nominated as Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security, a position previously held by Alan Estevez.
BIS, amid leadership changes and staff departures, has reportedly resumed processing some export licenses.
President Trump directed Commerce last week to open a Section 232 investigation into imports of timber and lumber.
President Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports and additional 10% tariffs on Chinese imports this week. See the Federal Register notices on Canada and Mexico tariffs to implement President Trump’s Executive Order 14193.
Retaliation Begins:
- China: Imposed 10%–15% duties on several U.S. agricultural imports. Added several American companies to its export control list.
- Canada: Placed an immediate 25% tariff on over $20 billion worth of U.S. products.
- Mexico: Announced plans to implement retaliatory tariffs on Sunday.
President Trump issued two Executive Orders regarding the Canadian and Mexican tariffs to clarify that de minimis entries may not be available as a mitigation for these tariffs.
