New USA Import Tariffs: August 2025

Tariffs for USA Imports Effective August 2025

An executive order detailing new reciprocal tariff rates for imports from virtually all countries will take effect August 7, 2025. Goods loaded onto a vessel and in transit on their final mode of transit before August 7 will avoid the new tariffs. Also, goods withdrawn from a bonded warehouse for consumption) before October 5, they will not be subject to the new tariffs.

The Trump trade tariffs continue with higher tariffs and more uncertainty.  Since April, a baseline tariff of 10% is the new norm.

These new "reciprocal tariff rates" range between 10 and 41 percent.

• Imports from Syria (41%) , Laos (40%) Myanmar (40%) and Switzerland* (39%) are among the highest
• Brazil shows 10% in the executive order but since has increased to 40%
• The minimum /default rate is 10%
• These tariffs are separate from what applies to Canada or Mexico
• The 25% tariff rate for goods from India will likely increase.
• The reciprocal tariff rates are in addition to "Section tariffs"
• The reciprocal tariffs are in addition to- rather than in leu of - existing general duty rates (with the exception of goods from the European Union)/

*The Swiss President is pushing for a deal and reportedly meeting with the US Secretary of State.

USA Tariffs for Imports from the European Union

Rather than a flat rate, imports from Europe will be assessed a minimum 15% tariff. 

• Goods from the European Union with a Column 1 duty rate of less than 15 percent will be subject to 15%.  For example, any goods from the EU with a Column 1 duty rate of 5% will be subject to a 15% tariff (not20%).
• Goods from the EU with an existing duty rate of at least 15 percent will pay the existing tariff.

The European Union is accepting the 15% tariff on most goods without counter tariffs for the time being as discussions are on going.

USA Tariffs for Imports from Canada

Non USMCA originating goods are subject to a 35% duty. Canada and the USA trade discussions have thus far failed to reach an agreement. The United States announced an increase in Canada’s tariff rate from 25% to 35% effective August 1, 2025.

USA Tariffs for Imports from Mexico

On July 31, the United States and Mexico agreed to extend their negotiations for 90 days. So no additional tariffs will apply during this time.

USA Tariffs for Imports from China

A trade truce between USA and China is set to expire on August 12. There is an expectation of another 90 day extension.

USA Tariffs for Imports from Japan

The Japanese agreement on duty mirrors that of Europe: 15% minimum. The existing Column 1/ MFN duty - if above 15% - will apply as is.

Other USA Trade Negotiations

Deals with the following U.S. trading partners: the European Union, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom, and Vietnam have been announced. They provide a frameworks for further negotiations. The reciprocal tariff rates are consistent with the announcements.

Trans-shipping to avoid tariffs

The executive order states that any article that has been transshipped to evade the reciprocal tariffs will be subject to an additional duty of 40 percent.

Commodity specific Section 232 Tariffs

In addition to country-specific tariffs discussed above, there are ongoing "Section 232" investigations related to imports in certain sectors. Most notable is a 50% tariff on imports of steel and aluminum, 25% on the import of autos and auto parts, and 50% tariff on imports of semi-refined copper and intensive copper derivative products.

Section 232 may soon apply for imports of pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, timber/ lumber, processed critical minerals, trucks, commercial aircraft and jet engines, and unmanned aircraft systems.

* The tariff for Brazil of 10% was updated to 40% due to a political position of the Brazilian government.

** The tariff for India is expected to increase due their purchase of Russian oil.

*** Japan's duty agreement is the same as for Europe: 15% minimum for column 1 duty rates less than 15%. The existing column 1/MFN will apply if it is above 15%.

Reciprocal tariffs are in addition to existing tariffs (except for imports from the EU)