Tariff Shifts and Industrial Policy CEOs Must Track

Webinars and Our View

Industrial Economic Report: https://seraph.com/jul25mfgwebinar 

Past April 25th Webinar: https://www.linkedin.com/events/manufacturingexecutivetariffupd7317949489460191232/theater/

Past Webinar April 3rd: https://www.linkedin.com/events/tariffwebinarformanufacturingce7307462042838347779/theater/

Past Webinar March 4th:
https://www.linkedin.com/events/tariffandtradeupdateformanufact7300211965736497152/theater/

Past Webinar February 20th: https://www.linkedin.com/events/tariffandtradeupdateformanufact7295547804259688448/theater/

Past Webinar February 11th: https://www.linkedin.com/events/seraphtariffupdateformanufactur7293303559796756481/theater/

2025 Trump Tariffs Summary for Manufacturers
Updated August 17 2025

Upcoming Key Milestones

• Aug 29, 2025 – Global de minimis suspension takes effect: Duty-free treatment under 19 U.S.C. §1321(a)(2)(C) suspended for commercial shipments worldwide (postal shipments subject to special collection rules). Executive Order (Jul 30) (effective 12:01 a.m. EDT Aug 29 per Sec. 4(a)).
• Ongoing – China “heightened” reciprocal surcharges paused: White House announced continuation of the suspension of the heightened China-specific reciprocal tariff surcharges (base measures remain). Fact Sheet (Aug 11)

Auto Tariff

• 25% tariff on imported passenger vehicles and light trucks (effective Apr 3, 2025) and 25% on specified auto parts (effective May 3, 2025). Proclamation 10908 (FR, Mar 26 / pub. Apr 3) · White House Fact Sheet (Mar 26)
• USMCA mechanics: For qualifying vehicles, the additional duty applies only to the value of non-U.S. content; a process is in place for importer submissions on preferential treatment. FR – Importer Submissions Procedures (May 24) · White House Fact Sheet (Mar 26)
• Import-adjustment offset (credits): 3.75% of aggregate MSRP for U.S.-assembled autos through Apr 30, 2026; then 2.5% through Apr 30, 2027. Proclamation 10925 (FR, Apr 29 / pub. May 2)
• Drawback/FTZ: No drawback on the auto duties; FTZ entries must be privileged foreign status and do not avoid the duty on consumption—benefit limited to exports. Proclamation 10908 (FR)
• United Kingdom vehicle TRQ framework: Implemented under the U.S.–U.K. Economic Prosperity Deal; designated vehicles/parts receive preferential treatment within quota. Executive Order (Jun 16)

Canada & Mexico

• USMCA-compliant goods: No tariffs. White House Fact Sheet (Mar 6)
• Non-USMCA goods: 25% on most products; 10% on designated energy products and potash. White House Fact Sheet (Mar 6)
• Imposed under IEEPA national-emergency authorities. EO 14193 (Feb 1) · EO 14194 (Feb 1)

Reciprocal Tariffs (Global)

• 10% baseline duty on all non-USMCA imports (reciprocal tariff). EO 14257 (Apr 2)
• Country-specific surcharges (Annex I) established; see annex for rates by partner. EO 14266 (Apr 9) · Annex I (PDF)
• Status of suspensions: Initial pause of certain Annex I surcharges ran Apr 10–Jul 9, 2025. China-specific “heightened” surcharges remain suspended per Aug 11 continuation; baseline and other measures still apply. EO (May 12) · Fact Sheet (Aug 11)
• Exceptions/clarifications: Categories excluded or clarified by presidential memorandum (incl. semiconductors and other specified headings). Presidential Memorandum (Apr 11)

China

• Synthetic-opioid-chain duty: 20% ad valorem under amended order (superseding the earlier 10%). FR – EO 14228 (Mar 3; pub. Mar 7)
• Reciprocal-tariff surcharges on PRC: Heightened surcharges were suspended for 90 days beginning May 14 (leaving reduced rates per order); suspension continued Aug 11 per White House. EO (May 12) · Fact Sheet (Aug 11)
• Low-value (de minimis) from PRC/HK: Duty-free de minimis removed effective May 2; ad valorem rate adjusted to 54% and a $100 per-postal-item duty retained (until modified). EO (May 12), Sec. 4(b)–(c) · FR – DHS/CBP Notice (Apr 28)

Steel & Aluminum (Section 232)

• General rate doubled to 50% for covered steel and aluminum articles. FR – Proclamations (pub. Jun 9)
• United Kingdom treatment remains at prior level pending quota implementation under the U.K. deal. White House Fact Sheet (Jun 4)

Copper (Section 232)

• New: 50% tariff on specified semi-finished copper and intensive copper derivative products effective Aug 1, 2025; FTZ privileged-foreign status required; no drawback. Proclamation (Jul 30) · FR (pub. Aug 5)

Escalation Clause

• EO 14257 authorizes further adjustments (up or down) based on partner retaliation or alignment. EO 14257 (Apr 2)
• Additional reciprocal-tariff modifications issued subsequently (e.g., Jul 31). Executive Order (Jul 31)

Potential Sector Tariffs

• Semiconductors: Currently excepted under the April 11 memorandum’s clarified exceptions (see specific HTS notes). Presidential Memorandum (Apr 11)

Venezuela-Related Tariff

• 25% tariff on imports from countries purchasing Venezuelan crude, applied for one year after a country’s last purchase. Executive Order (Mar 25) · FR (pub. Apr 2)