On March 4th, the U.S. government put in place a second round of customs tariff increases, this time targeting imports of products from Canada, Mexico, and China.
New U.S. trade policies start to reshape global trade dynamics, and create new challenges for businesses engaged in international commerce. In a recent webinar, Fitch Richardson from Glopal sat down with Hans-Peter Höllwirth, from Glopal’s Tax and Duty product department, to discuss the latest updates and their impact on e-commerce.
The Latest Tariff Updates
From increased tariffs on Chinese imports to Canada’s retaliatory measures, these policy shifts are forcing businesses to rethink their supply chains, pricing strategies, and sourcing decisions. Here’s an overview of the latest implemented and announced U.S. tariff updates:
1. Increased Tariffs on Chinese Products
Since March 4th 2025, the U.S. has imposed an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports, adding to the 10% tariff introduced in February. These additional tariffs build on previous U.S. China tariffs dating back to 2018 and apply to any product manufactured in China or Hong Kong, regardless of whether shipped from China or Hong Kong or another country.
For now, shipments valued under the U.S. de minimis threshold of $800 remain exempt. However, this exemption is expected to be removed soon, which means that all Chinese products will soon be subject to duties when imported into the U.S.
2. Tariffs on Canadian and Mexican PRODUCTS
Another significant change came into effect on March 4th, when the U.S. introduced a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico. These goods were previously exempt under the USMCA free trade agreement, but the new tariffs now apply to all products manufactured in either country, regardless of the seller’s location.
Canada has responded with its own 25% tariff on selected U.S. products, targeting a wide range of categories, including apparel, footwear, and cosmetics. Notably, these tariffs apply even to U.S.-origin products exported from third countries, and are expected to remain until the U.S. reverses its decision.
3. Potential 25% Tariff on EU Imports
Although still under discussion, the U.S. has signalled plans to introduce a 25% tariff on imports from the European Union. This change could impact key EU industries such as automotive and luxury goods.
4. Reciprocal Tariffs Coming April 2nd
A major shift in tariff policy could take effect on April 2nd, when the U.S. plans to introduce reciprocal tariffs. This means that U.S. import duty rates will be adjusted to match the tariff rates imposed by other countries on U.S. goods.
For businesses, this marks a fundamental change: duty rates will no longer be based solely on product type but also on the country of manufacture. As a result, understanding a product’s country of origin will become critical for managing costs and minimizing tariff exposure.
What CAN E-Commerce Businesses Do?
With these tariff changes rolling out, it’s crucial for e-commerce merchants to act now to safeguard their businesses. Here’s how:
- Stay Informed: Keeping up with tariff policy updates is essential. Regularly monitor changes to anticipate cost implications and adjust strategies accordingly.
- Evaluate Supply Chains: With reciprocal tariffs and increased duties on key markets, knowing a product’s country of origin is more important than ever. Businesses should assess alternative suppliers and explore ways to reduce tariff exposure through strategic sourcing.
- Update Pricing: Businesses need to factor the increasing impact of tariff costs into their pricing models to maintain profitability.
HOW GLOPAL CAn HELP?
Navigating the complexities of international trade requires expertise and real-time insights. At Glopal, we provide e-commerce businesses with solutions to optimize cross-border selling, manage duties, and streamline international operations.
If you’d like to learn more about how Glopal can help your business adapt to these new tariff changes, reach out to us today.
Stay ahead of global trade shifts and keep your business thriving!
OFFICIAL SOURCES
U.S. Federal Register on China Tariffs
U.S. Federal Register on Canada Tariffs