August 2025 Tariff Update: What Importers Need to Know

As of August 7, 2025, tariff activity continues to evolve at a rapid pace. New rounds of duties targeting key U.S. trading partners are driving higher costs, greater compliance challenges, and shorter decision-making timelines for importers.

Below is a summary of the latest updates, including recent Section 232 developments and country-specific actions.

• A 20% broad tariff still remains in effect on all Chinese imports (increased March 4).
• An additional 125% tariff was implemented under the April 2 policy, but has been temporarily reduced to 10% for 90 days (active through August 10).
• Executive Order 14289 prevents most tariff stacking; however, some goods may still be impacted by overlapping rules depending on classification.

• A 25% tariff is applied to all imports from Mexico.
• As of August 7, goods previously exempt are now subject to a 35% tariff.
• USMCA-compliant imports stay duty-free; estimates indicate about 48% of imports from Mexico are in this category.

• A 10% tariff on potash and energy remains in effect.
• A 25% tariff applies to additional goods; however, refined copper and copper ore are now excluded as of the August 7 clarification.
• About 50% of Canadian imports are estimated to be USMCA-compliant.

• A 25% tariff is still applied to all imported vehicles.
• For the first 100,000 units from Canada, Mexico, and the EU, the rate is reduced to 10%.
• Vehicles assembled in the U.S. with foreign components might qualify for a partial exemption.

• A 50% tariff is in place on all steel and aluminum imports.
• Effective dates: March 12 for steel and aluminum, June 23 for derivative products.
• Imports from the United Kingdom are excluded based on a bilateral agreement.

• A 50% tariff is applied to copper imports.
• As of August 7, refined copper and copper ore are excluded.
• Raw or semi-finished copper products may still be affected, depending on classification.

• A minimum tariff of 10% applies to most imported goods from all countries.
• China’s rate under this framework stays temporarily lowered to 10%.
• Applies broadly to imports from China, Mexico, Canada, the EU, the UK, India, Japan, Vietnam, and others.

• 20% tariff on trade between the U.S. and Vietnam.
• A 40% tariff applies to goods transshipped from China through Vietnam.

• No new U.S. tariffs have been enacted.
• The UK lowered its ethanol tariff on U.S. imports to 0% (announced May 8).

With overlapping tariffs, exemptions, and executive orders now in effect, accurate product classification and country–of–origin documentation are essential.

Misclassified goods or unsupported origin claims can lead to unnecessary duties, compliance delays, and higher audit risk.

At The Block, our in-house Customs Brokerage team is actively helping importers navigate these changes with precision. Services include:

• HTS classification reviews and compliance assessments
• Country-of-Origin Analysis and USMCA Validation
• Tariff mitigation strategies, including bonded warehousing and duty deferral
• Real-time updates on Section 232 and minimum tariff developments

If you’re unsure how the latest changes affect your shipments, our team can help you interpret the rules, adjust your strategies, and move forward with confidence.