The United States has announced additional 50% tariffs on certain Canadian imports, effective August 19, 2026. Covered goods are identified through specific HTSUS provisions, and USMCA qualification alone will not provide an exemption. Importers should review classifications, origin determinations, exclusions, open purchase orders, in-transit shipments, warehouse status, and landed costs. Coppersmith’s latest Import Compliance Update explains the announcement and outlines practical steps businesses should consider before the new duties take effect at entry.
Ongoing tariff uncertainty is changing the way many companies manage transpacific imports. Businesses are advancing shipments, increasing inventory, and adjusting purchasing strategies in response to evolving trade policy. In our latest Trade Update, Coppersmith explains how these market conditions affect more than transportation costs—they also influence customs planning, landed costs, inventory management, and import compliance. The article outlines practical questions importers should consider before front-loading freight and emphasizes the importance of reviewing classifications, country-of-origin determinations, and entry timing before making significant supply chain decisions. During periods of uncertainty, preparation remains one of the most reliable tools for informed importing decisions.
Recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz have once again introduced uncertainty into global shipping. While political events can change overnight, vessel operators, insurers, and cargo owners often take much longer to return to normal operating patterns.
For importers, the question isn't whether you can predict geopolitical events. It's whether your supply chain is prepared to adapt when they occur.
Beginning July 8, 2026, importers of CPSC-regulated products must electronically submit Certificate of Compliance information through CBP's Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). While the filing process is changing, the fundamentals of customs compliance remain the same: accurate product information, complete documentation, and careful preparation.
In our latest article, Coppersmith Global Logistics looks beyond the technical requirements to explain what the new mandate means for importers and why experienced customs guidance remains essential. As trade regulations become increasingly digital, the value of sound compliance practices has never been greater.
Read the full article to learn how preparing now can help your business make a smooth transition to mandatory CPSC eFiling.
The Panama Canal is preparing for another potential El Niño event by introducing early draft restrictions to protect dwindling freshwater reserves. While transit numbers remain steady for now, reduced vessel drafts can limit cargo capacity, increase shipping costs, and create ripple effects across global supply chains. Importers and exporters should monitor developments closely, as even modest restrictions at this critical trade corridor can have significant impacts on schedules and transportation budgets.
Trade compliance is no longer just about avoiding fines—it could mean avoiding prison. As U.S. authorities intensify enforcement of customs and trade violations, companies and their executives face growing criminal exposure for tariff evasion, false declarations, and supply chain fraud. The message is clear: compliance programs are now a business necessity, not an administrative expense. Importers should review their processes before regulators come knocking.
