Navigating U.S. Trade Uncertainty: Tariffs, De Minimis and More

This article has been updated since it's original publish date on May 6, 2025

Navigating U.S. Tariffs and Trade Regulations: Essential Insights for Businesses

As the U.S. administration implements its trade agenda, businesses around the world are wondering how to adapt their shipping operations to all the changes. In this article, we’ll feature some of the answers to those concerns from our recent webinar U.S. Trade Policy Decoded: Insights from Experts in DC. Whether you’re an importer or an exporter, gain insights into how new U.S. tariffs and trade policies will impact your business and learn how you can thrive in this changing landscape.

If a shipment has left its origin and a tariff is imposed or changed, will the new tariff apply?

• The short answer is yes. Previously there were “wheels up” and “on the water” provisions in place to allow for transit. However, with the imposition of Reciprocal Tariffs, those provisions were wiped away. The same will hold for de minimis shipments cleared after midnight, August 29^th.

What best practices do you recommend for staying updated on changing trade regulations?

• DHL Express is working around the clock to provide the latest intel and analysis you’ve come to expect from your trusted trade partner. We’re happy to answer logistics questions and provide updates on the swiftly changing trade environment.  For a comprehensive list of Customs updates, check out DHL’s Customs Regulatory Updates website.

How can exporters proactively adapt their pricing or sourcing strategies to remain competitive despite tariff fluctuations?

• While DHL Express doesn’t offer specific and prescriptive advice on operating your business, the whipsaw nature of this trade environment shows that nothing is permanent. The tariffs and the impact need to be taken seriously, but overreacting to them may cause its own harm. Actions based on what’s best for the company should be the overriding principle. If said action carries short-term benefits, great. However, if longer-reaching pain points are the price for those short-term benefits, you’ll have to think if it’s worth it.

Will there be tariff exemptions for small businesses? How can I apply for these exemptions?

• Currently, there are no exemptions granted under any of the tariff statutes. At some point the U.S. government may include an exemption/exclusion process, but it’s not likely to be based on size of the business.
• If any exemptions are implemented, they will be administered by the agency that manages the tariffs. Section 232 (Steel & Aluminum, Copper, etc.) is run by the Commerce Department and the Section 301 China tariffs are run by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). No matter what, if an exemption/exclusion process is implemented, DHL Express will have all the guidance you need. 

Are there specific trade agreements or exemptions companies should explore to reduce costs?

• If your company imports or exports with a foreign country, it's wise to explore any existing bilateral or multilateral trade agreement the U.S. has with that nation. That said, existing agreements seem to have been superseded by the Trump IEEPA Reciprocal Tariffs and any deals agreed upon under those threat. It is advisable to look at both for a clearer understanding.  Using the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) as an example, currently products compliant with that agreement (typically based on rules of origin) are not subject to the tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration, but Canada has seen a rate increase under the IEEPA tariffs for non-compliant goods. 
• As previously mentioned, no tariffs implemented thus far have any exemption/exclusion programs in place.

What are the future implications for trade with Europe, especially considering current tariff policies?

• The U.S. and EU have entered into an agreement following the IEEPA tariff threats. A maximum rate of 15% has been implemented for the majority of goods (Steel & Aluminum and Copper undecided). This is in exchange for hundreds of billions in purchases by the EU of U.S. energy goods and business investments in the U.S. This provides stability though the U.S. reserves the right to alter rates at its discretion 
  

As a leading logistics provider, we possess the strategic agility and operational expertise to help our customers navigate these evolving complexities effectively. In summary, the actions of the United States are creating uncertainty and change, which is always scary. But DHL is better positioned than most others to help our customers adapt, and the close collaboration by my team with the divisions will help us to stay ahead of the curve once again.

We hope these answers will help your company adapt to this challenging environment. If you have a question that wasn’t answered in this article, watch the latest webinar, visit our Customs Regulatory Updates site, or contact your DHL sales representative. 

Disclaimer: To promote a candid exchange, this is meant for educational purposes and not for attribution. All views expressed are those of the speakers. This presentation and discussion is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute regulatory or legal advice and shippers are recommended to seek their own legal or compliance counsel. DHL assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein and DHL does not provide specific regulatory or legal advice to customers unless contracted to do so.