As global trade dynamics grow increasingly complex, international shippers are facing mounting pressure to stay ahead of evolving tariff policies and regulations. In a recent PSA BDP webinar co-hosted with legal experts from Loyens & Loeff, our panel unpacked key developments, customs best practices, and practical strategies for navigating uncertainty in today’s tariff environment.
1. The Current Tariff Climate: What Shippers Need to Know
Tariffs are in flux across key trade lanes. In the U.S., duties on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada continue to evolve, with new layers added by Section 232 measures and USMCA-related exemptions. Meanwhile, the EU is preparing potential countermeasures as it negotiates its response to proposed U.S. tariffs. A temporary 90-day pause on global reciprocal tariffs offers a brief window of predictability, but no long-term clarity.
“Businesses don’t thrive on uncertainty, but this environment is forcing companies to reevaluate supply chains and discover new strategic opportunities.” - Chian Voen Wong, Director, Asia Pacific, Global Trade Management, PSA BDP
2. The Three Building Blocks of Compliance
To manage risk and maintain compliance, companies must be confident in three critical areas of customs compliance:
- Tariff Classification: Every customs declaration starts with getting the HS code right. The wrong code could mean the wrong duty rate, or worse: penalties or lost opportunities for exemptions.
- Country of Origin: Determining origin is more than knowing where something was shipped from. With rules varying by country, shippers need a clear understanding of how and where products are substantially transformed.
- Customs Valuation: Accurate, transparent valuation is essential, especially for companies dealing with multiple sales points, related parties, or changing pricing structures.
“Now is the time to ask questions, validate your master data, and make sure your internal controls are rock solid.” -Brittany Ford, Manager, Trade Compliance - Europe, PSA BDP
3. How to Reduce Duty Exposure Without Raising Red Flags
Our panelists outlined several steps companies can take now to stay compliant and competitive, including:
- Tapping into free trade agreements (FTAs) and ensuring documentation is airtight.
- Reassessing production and sourcing strategies but ensuring changes are economically justified.
- Leveraging digital tools to keep customs data current and recalculate key metrics as conditions evolve.
- Considering the “First Sale rule” for U.S. imports where applicable, though this approach requires careful compliance with strict customs conditions.
“There’s no silver bullet, but combining strategic planning with the right tools and legal expertise can offer measurable relief.” -Emma van Doornik, Tax Adviser Counsel, Loyens & Loeff
4. What’s Next? Expect the Unexpected
While no one has a crystal ball, experts agree that more shifts are on the horizon, from new enforcement measures and anti-circumvention rules to supply chain diversification and regional trade realignment.
“Certainty may be out of reach for the near term, but adaptability is well within our control.”
-Bert Gevers, Attorney at Law, Partner, Loyens & Loeff
Final Thoughts
Global trade is changing fast. Staying compliant is more than just avoiding costly penalties but is moreso about protecting your competitive edge. Businesses that proactively monitor tariff policies, maintain clean customs data, and partner with knowledgeable experts will be better equipped to weather volatility and unlock new opportunities.
Want help assessing your risk or building a proactive trade strategy? Connect with our global trade compliance team or subscribe to PSA BDP’s trade alerts for timely insights.
