Date: August 1, 2025

Summary of Tariff-Related Executive Orders Issued July 30–31, 2025

The White House issued four significant executive orders on July 30 and 31, 2025, introducing a range of new tariffs and enforcement mechanisms. These measures impact imports from Brazil and Canada, expand Section 232 actions on copper, and revise reciprocal tariff rates under earlier trade enforcement orders.

Below is a summary of each measure. Importers are strongly encouraged to consult the full text of each order and annex to understand how these changes may affect specific goods and HTS classifications. Future guidance from CBP or further executive actions could affect how these tariffs are implemented.

1. Brazilian Import Tariff – 40% Ad Valorem

  • Start Date: August 6, 2025
  • Authority: Executive Order dated July 30, 2025
  • Coverage: Nearly all Brazilian-origin goods unless specifically excluded
  • Exemptions: Notable exclusions include civil aircraft, engines, parts, and flight simulators (see Annex 1 of the EO)
  • In-Transit Relief: Applies to cargo shipped prior to 12:01 a.m. EDT on August 6 and entered by October 5, 2025
  • Interaction with Other Duties: This 40% duty does not apply to products currently covered under Section 232 tariffs
  • Full Order: Addressing Threats to The United States by the Government of Brazil – The White House

2. Section 232 Copper Tariff – 50% on Copper Content

  • Start Date: August 1, 2025
  • Authority: Presidential Proclamation, July 30, 2025
  • Rate: 50% ad valorem, applied only to the copper portion of specified items
  • Applicability: Covers semi-finished and derivative copper products listed in the proclamation annex
  • Other Material Components: Non-copper content remains subject to existing duties and tariffs.
  • Full Order: Adjusting Imports of Copper into the United States – The White House

3. Reciprocal Tariff Framework – Revised Rates by Country

  • Start Date: August 7, 2025
  • Authority: Executive Order dated July 31, 2025
  • Key Provisions:
    • EU Imports:
      • Column 1 HTS duty < 15% → Increased to total 15%
      • Column 1 HTS duty ≥ 15% → No additional duty imposed
    • All Other Countries (not listed in Annex I): 10% additional tariff
  • Transit Exception: Applies to goods shipped before August 7 and entered by October 5, 2025
  • Full Order: Further Modifying the Reciprocal Tariff Rates – The White House

Expanded Enforcement for Transshipped Goods

  • Scope: Applies to all countries.
  • Findings of Transshipment by CBP Will Result In:
    • An additional 40% ad valorem duty (replacing otherwise applicable duty)
    • Civil penalties under 19 U.S.C. § 1592
    • No eligibility for duty mitigation or penalty remission
  • Ongoing Disclosure: CBP, in collaboration with Commerce and USTR, will release semiannual lists identifying countries and facilities associated with duty circumvention, to support national security and procurement vetting

4. Canadian Tariff Increase – Now 35% Ad Valorem

  • Start Date: August 1, 2025
  • Authority: Amended Executive Order 14193
  • Updated Duty Rate: Raised from 25% to 35% for articles originally covered under EO 14193
  • Exemptions Include:
    • Goods that qualify under USMCA origin rules
    • Properly entered articles under Chapter 98 of the HTS
    • Items subject to Section 232 or covered by automotive-specific tariff provisions

Enhanced Scrutiny on Canadian Transshipments:

If CBP determines that Canadian-origin goods do not qualify under USMCA and were transshipped to avoid duties, the following will apply:

  • 40% ad valorem duty in place of the standard 35%
  • Penalties assessed under 19 U.S.C. § 1592
  • All other applicable duties and charges will be enforced

No mitigation of penalties will be permitted.

Full Order: Amendment to Duties to Address the Flow of Illicit Drugs Across Our Northern Border – The White House

*Disclaimer: The articles provided reflect our perspective and are created by our employees. They do not constitute legal documents or comprehensive information. For further inquiries, please contact our staff for additional details.