We’d like to share the latest industry news around tariffs and trade with you:
- US Port Call Vessel Fees:
Effective October 14th, 2025, non-US built vessel operators must pay fees before arrival at the first US port, via Pay.gov, or risk denial of lading/unlading or clearance. The fee table is:
-$50 per net ton — Chinese-owned or operated vessels
-$18 per net ton or $120 per container — Chinese-built vessels
-$14 per net ton — all vehicle carriers and roll-on/roll-off vessels
(LNG tankers are exempt)
Operators, not CBP, are responsible for determining and paying applicable fees, using the Vessel Entrance and Clearance System (VECS) or manual filing where applicable.
Some carriers have communicated they will not be imposing surcharges from the USTR 301 fees: CMA CGM, Cosco, HMM, Maersk, MSC, OOCL, and ONE.
China is considering implementing retaliatory fees on vessels from countries it deems are impeding on the country’s commercial operations. Those measures could include imposing additional fees on vessels from offending countries calling at Chinese ports, restricting or banning those vessels entirely, and blocking access to Chinese maritime data and information. - Confirmation of Tariffs on Timber and Lumber, Furniture, and Cabinetry:
We’d previously communicated the Trump Administration’s intent to apply tariffs to new product groups – now the Executive Order has been issued to confirm them. The new tariffs are effective from October 14th and are set as follows:
-Softwood timber and lumber: 10%. If wood products fall under the same tariff provisions that apply to automobile parts, the automobile parts rate will govern.
Tariff caps:
-Wood products from the United Kingdom – maximum 10%
-Wood products from the EU or Japan – maximum 15%
–Certain upholstered wooden products such as couches, sofas and chairs: 25%, then increasing to 30% on January 1st, 2026
–Kitchen cabinets and vanities: 25%, then increasing to 50% on January 1st, 2026.
These commodities are not affected by reciprocal tariffs or by tariffs imposed in response to India’s purchase of Russian oil. There is no grace period for shipments loaded before October 14th, but if the goods arrive in the US after that date, then those goods will be subject to the new tariff upon arrival. - 25% Section 232 tariff to be applied to all US imports of medium and heavy-duty trucks staring November 1st
- Department of Commerce:
We previously advised export enforcement and national security-related investigations will proceed, but most International Trade Administration, Census, and Bureau of Economic Analysis services are suspended. This includes the International Trade Commission’s work on work on investigative activities under Secs 332, 337, and 201, while ceasing its anti-dumping and countervailing duty proceedings too. - Proposed Tariffs on Pharma Delayed:
100% Tariffs due to be imposed this week had been communicated for certain brand-name drugs, but the White House is now saying it may not need to implement them – the plan is paused. The administration is negotiating agreements with pharmaceutical companies and a deal is expected to be announced this week. - ACE Portal Updates that Enable Electronic Refund Enrollment Deployed
The ACE portal now permits electronic refunds via ACH. Customs and Border Protection hasn’t yet implemented electronic-only refunds, but that is likely in the future with this convenience being a step to promote increased use of the platform. If you do not currently have an ACE account, sign-up guidelines are available here.
We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as agencies release additional guidance. If you encounter clearance issues or disruptions, especially involving partner government agencies, please contact your local office. for support.
