On February 3rd, the White House announced a delay of 30 days to impose the 25% tariffs and said he looked forward to continued negotiations with Mexico and Canada. The new prospective effective date is March 4th.
On February 10th, President Trump announced 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports entering the U.S. Those tariffs are scheduled to take effect on March 12th.
Effective March 12th, all previous steel and aluminum agreements with trading partners, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, the EU, Japan, Mexico, S. Korea, Ukraine, the U.A.E., and the UK, are canceled.
If you’re in the business of moving cargo, this isn’t just another headline—it’s a direct hit to your bottom line. These changes impact import clearance procedures, meaning importers must be proactive to avoid shipment delays, unexpected fees, and compliance headaches.
Why This Matters to You
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has started cracking down on misclassified steel products and tariff exemptions, removing previous trade agreements and tightening restrictions. But make no mistake: these rules are shifting fast, and a misstep could mean penalties, shipment holds, and/or increased costs.
For importers, the writing is on the wall. You can’t afford to take a wait-and-see approach. Tariff structures are fluid, regulatory oversight is tightening, and CBP is ramping up enforcement. Having a sharp, well-connected customs broker and freight forwarder is more than just helpful now—it’s essential.
Zarach Knows the Game, and We Play to Win
At Edward J. Zarach & Associates, we’ve dealt with tariffs, customs crackdowns, and trade disruptions for decades. We don’t panic—we plan. Our team is tapped into every regulatory shift, keeping our clients informed and one step ahead of compliance challenges. Whether it’s ensuring your bond amounts are correct, securing Importer ACH Debit/Credit approvals, or keeping your freight from getting jammed up at CFS facilities, we ensure you’re not caught off guard.
The import game has always been about strategy. You can scramble to react when things go sideways, or you can align with a team that stays ahead of the curve. At Zarach, we don’t just move freight—we move it smartly. If you want to keep your business moving without nasty surprises, now is the time to act. Contact us today to lock in a plan that keeps you compliant and competitive, no matter what Washington throws your way.