Updated Aug 6, 2025 – U.S. Trade Agreements and New Tariff Measures on Brazil, Copper, and De Minimis Imports, and additional tariffs

Source: Maersk Newsletter

U.S. Trade Agreements and New Tariff Measures on Brazil, Copper, and De Minimis Imports, and additional tariffs

U.S.-European Union 

• The U.S. and European Union (EU) have agreed to a 15% tariff across most EU-origin goods. 
• Zero tariffs now apply to aircraft and components, select chemicals, semiconductor equipment, and some agricultural and raw materials.
• Steel and aluminum tariffs will be gradually reduced. A quota system is being introduced.
• Read the full statement from the European Commission and the U.S Fact Sheet on the EU Trade Agreement. No Executive Order has been issued. We will provide further guidance once it’s available.

U.S.-Japan

• The United States and Japan have finalized a trade agreement that introduces a 15% tariff on Japanese imports.
• The 15% rate also applies to automobiles and auto parts. 
• Read the full Fact Sheet published by the White House here. No Executive Order has been issued.

U.S.-Indonesia 

• Indonesian exports to the U.S. will be subject to a 19% tariff
• U.S. exports to Indonesia will enter duty-free.
• Read the full Fact Sheet published by the White House here. No Executive Order has been issued. 

Suspension of De Minimis for All Countries, effective August 29, 2025.

• All imports, regardless of value or origin, will now be subject to applicable duties and tariffs.
• Shipments previously entered duty-free under Section 321 (de minimis threshold of $800) must now follow standard entry procedures.
• This includes full customs filings and compliance with all Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements.
• Postal shipments will temporarily remain exempt from formal entry, but will be subject to flat or ad valorem duties based on the country of origin.
• Read the Executive Order here.

Brazil Tariff Action, effective August 1, 2025

• The U.S. government has declared a national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)
• A 50% tariff will be imposed on select Brazilian-origin products starting August 1, 2025.
• Read the Executive Order here.

Tariff on Copper Imports, effective August 1, 2025

• A 50% ad valorem tariff will apply to certain semi-finished copper imports, including rods, wires, bars, sheets, tubes, connectors, and fittings classified under HTS Chapter 74.
• This applies to both wrought and unwrought copper products.
• Raw materials such as ores, concentrates, cathodes, anodes, and copper scrap are excluded.
• Read the Executive Order here.

Additional Tariffs Under “Reciprocal Tariff Framework”, effective August 7, 2025
New duties have been established under the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14257 (April 2025), which addresses systemic trade imbalances. This new Executive Order replaces prior rates for certain trading partners and introduces updated tariff structures by country and product.

Key updates:

• Goods from countries listed in Annex I (listed in Executive Order) will face updated ad valorem tariffs based on their current HTSUS duty rate.
• Goods from other countries not listed in Annex I will face a 10% additional duty.
• If CBP determines that goods were transshipped to evade duties, a 40% tariff will apply, along with penalties and no eligibility for mitigation.
• Read the Executive Order here.

Given the scope and speed of these changes, we strongly encourage all importers to:

• Review current low-value shipment practices and assess potential cost and compliance impacts.
• Evaluate tariff exposure across small parcel, e-commerce, and sample import channels.
• Conduct a classification, valuation, and origin audit to avoid inadvertent violations under the enhanced enforcement regime
• Prepare for increased enforcement activity by ensuring robust record keeping and compliance procedures.