Trump

The move spares electronics from 145% import tax as companies warn of price hikes.

Globalization is losing its power. National unilateralism, sanctions, wars, and protectionism are threats to free world trade—and thus to global supply chains. Readjusting the compass and preparing for challenging times is now the motto of many companies in Europe.

Despite geopolitical uncertainties and shifting trade policies, air cargo demand is outpacing capacity, keeping yields well above pre-pandemic levels.

From tariff stacking to the end of de minimis, Flexport CEO Ryan Petersen and VP of Customs Bernie Hart break down Trump’s new trade orders.

Effective April 3, the White House announced yesterday that it will move forward with a 25% tariff on automobiles, with a matching 25% tariff on certain automobile parts imported into the United States, effective on May 3. The primary objective of the tariff is to encourage automakers to manufacture more vehicles in the U.S. and address what the White House calls a critical threat to U.S. national security.

The deal, which still needs Panama’s approval, is sparking diplomatic tension.

Proposed tariffs could once again alter the supply chain map.

Soon after United States Postal Service (USPS) Postmaster General Louis DeJoy notified the Postal Service Board of Governors “it is time for them to begin the process of identifying his successor” on February 18, reports surfaced late last week that the White House intends to make major changes to the organization.

In the memo, the White House explained that the United States has one of the most open economies and has among the lowest average weighted global tariff rates, coupled with the U.S. imposing fewer barriers to imports than major economies in other nations. It added that the U.S. has been treated unfairly by its trading partners, with the lack of reciprocity contributing to the annual U.S. trade deficit.

Late last week, President Donald Trump inked an executive order that will take steps, albeit temporarily, to reinstate the de minimis treatment, which allows goods under $800 sent from China to the U.S. to not be subject to tariffs. The de minimis treatment being reinstated came shortly after in the executive order, entitled “Amendment to Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China.”

PwC operations transformation partner Carla DeSantis says tariff mitigation is only one data point in a broader supply chain plan.

Amid all of the tariff-related tumult seen in recent days—and, to be clear, there has been a lot of it—there has been no shortage of feedback from various industry leaders about the potential impact these tariffs can have on a whole host of things, including: economic conditions; import levels; and supply chain operations, among many others.

Over the past two days, significant shifts have occurred in international trade involving the United States, Canada, Mexico, and China. 

As political and economic tensions mount, the logistics industry must adapt to disruptions with resilience. For global shippers and their service providers, this means prioritizing supply chain efficiency, proactive risk management, and accessing expert support when needed.

While new tariffs are not yet in effect, Trump said that will be changing, as soon as by February 1, with various reports indicating that Trump will place 25% tariffs on U.S.-bound imports from Canada and Mexico, effective February 1.