Coppersmith's leadership team attended WESCON 2025, where they gained insights into trade modernization, CBP's new ACE portal refund enrollment, and West Coast port updates. The document highlights significant developments in U.S. trade policy, including the Section 232 steel and aluminum inclusions process with 95 new requests submitted for public comment (due October 21), and updates on planned tariffs for pharmaceuticals and trucks. President Trump has indefinitely delayed pharmaceutical tariffs to negotiate drug pricing deals with individual companies, following Pfizer's agreement to invest $70 billion in U.S. manufacturing in exchange for a three-year exemption, while truck tariffs have been postponed until November 1, 2025, when medium and heavy-duty trucks will face a 25% tariff. Additionally, new Section 301 vessel fees on China-built ships took effect October 14, prompting retaliatory measures from China that target U.S.-flagged vessels, underscoring the need for importers and logistics professionals to maintain expert oversight and proactive planning in this rapidly evolving regulatory environment.
Coppersmith’s leadership team attended WESCCON 2025, the premier annual conference for customs brokers and freight forwarders across the U.S. West Coast. Despite the absence of CBP and other government agency officials due to the government shutdown, the event provided rich insights into trade modernization, infrastructure, and compliance.
Highlights included CBP’s new ACE portal refund enrollment, West Coast port updates from Seattle to San Diego, and best practices for responding to CF-28 Requests for Information.
Coppersmith continues to support clients through evolving regulations — from digital payment transitions to effective CBP communication — ensuring every entry is timely, compliant, and ready for release.
Compliance as a Service
Protect Your Business from Costly Trade Compliance Mistakes
The global trade environment has become increasingly complex, making compliance essential rather than optional.
One misstep in classification, valuation, or documentation can result in shipment delays, reputational damage, and in the most severe cases, civil and/or criminal proceedings and penalties. Our compliance consulting services ensure you navigate these challenges with confidence.
Our compliance consulting team brings the specialized expertise, technology, and relationships with government agencies that modern importing demands. We help you avoid costly mistakes, minimize delays, and maintain the smooth flow of goods your business depends on. We know what questions to ask to ensure we’re proactively providing that information when making entry rather than reactively in response to a government inquiry or audit.
Let's Keep Your Operations Compliant and Efficient
As trade policy continues to evolve across multiple fronts, U.S. importers, exporters, and logistics professionals face a shifting regulatory landscape shaped by Section 232 and Section 301 actions. The latest developments include a new round of requests under the Section 232 steel and aluminum inclusions process, ongoing adjustments to planned duties on pharmaceuticals and trucks, and emerging Section 301 measures targeting China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding industries. Together, these updates underscore the close connection between trade operations and policy decisions, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring, strategic planning, and clear communication throughout the supply chain.
Section 232 Steel/Aluminum Inclusions Process
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has posted the next round of requests for new derivative articles subject to Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs - see here.
95 requests were submitted. Comments are due October 21.
Here is background on the inclusions process. Requests for inclusion can be submitted during three defined periods each year: at the beginning of May, September, and January. The submission window will remain open for two weeks. Once open, each submission will be posted for public comment for 14 days. Decisions will be issued within 60 days.
Section 232 Duties for Pharmaceuticals and Trucks
Recall that President Trump announced last month on Truth Social that he would be imposing tariffs on lumber, trucks, and pharmaceutical products, based on Section 232 investigations that were initiated in April. While the White House has posted a proclamation and fact sheet for timber, lumber, and their derivative products, additional tariffs on pharmaceuticals and trucks have been delayed (indefinitely for pharmaceutical products and until November 1 for trucks).
Pharmaceutical Products: President Trump announced last week that he will delay the imposition of tariffs on pharmaceutical products while seeking to negotiate deals with individual pharmaceutical companies aimed at lowering prescription drug prices. This new tactic is being driven in part by a decision made by Pfizer, which agreed to invest $70 billion in U.S. manufacturing and sell discounted drugs through “TrumpRx.gov” in exchange for a three-year exemption from the tariffs.
Section 301 Investigation of China’s Targeting the Maritime, Logistics, and Shipbuilding Sectors for Dominance
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued guidance for Section 301 vessel fees on China-built ships starting October 14. The guidance states the "burden for determining if a vessel owes the fee is on the operator, not on CBP.” The guidance also notes that USTR is still finalizing details for LNG and Ro-Ro vessels and may release FAQs before the fee collection begins.
In response, China has updated its shipping laws to impose its own special fees and restrictions, potentially targeting U.S.-flagged vessels, which could prompt further U.S. actions.
Trade policy isn’t standing still—and neither should your supply chain. From Section 232 inclusions to shifting Section 301 tariffs, today’s trade environment demands expert oversight and proactive planning. The right partner can help you interpret regulatory changes before they impact your cargo.
Coppersmith Global Logistics provides the guidance, compliance expertise, and visibility you need to move goods confidently in a fast-changing world. Contact Coppersmith today to review how these updates could affect your shipments and ensure your operations stay compliant, efficient, and ahead of every policy curve.
Liquidation Extension IEEPA Reciprocal Refunds
Liquidation marks the final stage of the import entry process. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) typically conducts a review period of up to 314 days from the date of entry. Upon completion, CBP will officially "liquidate" the entry, resulting in one of the following outcomes:
No Change: The final duty amount matches the estimated duty paid. No further action is required.
Increase (Supplemental Duty Bill): CBP determines additional duties are owed. The importer will receive a bill for the difference.
Decrease (Refund): CBP determines an overpayment occurred. A refund will be issued, unless the difference is less than $20, in which case CBP generally does not issue a refund or bill.
IEEPA Tariff Litigation and Liquidation Extensions
Considering ongoing legal challenges, importers may request a liquidation extension for entries impacted by tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This strategic measure helps preserve the right to a refund while the legality of these tariffs is under review by the U.S. Supreme Court. The extension requests must be made before the original protest period of 180 days has expired.
Background on IEEPA Tariffs:
In 2025, executive orders under IEEPA introduced "reciprocal" tariffs on imports from several U.S. trading partners. Additional tariffs targeting specific goods from countries such as China were also implemented, including those related to fentanyl.
Legal Developments:
May 2025: The U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) ruled the tariffs unlawful and issued an injunction.
August 2025: The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) upheld the CIT’s decision but stayed the injunction, allowing tariff collection to continue.
November 2025: The case is scheduled for oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Steps to Request a Liquidation Extension
To safeguard refund eligibility, importers should take the following actions:
Monitor Liquidation Dates: Use the CBP Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) portal to track entry status.
Submit a Written Request: Contact your assigned CBP Entry Specialist to formally request an extension of the one-year liquidation period.
Establish Good Cause: Cite the pending IEEPA litigation as justification for the extension.
Confirm Approval: Ensure CBP has granted the extension and retain all supporting documentation. Extensions may be granted annually, up to a maximum of three years.
Understand Bond Implications: Be aware that extensions may delay the release of collateral held by your bond provider, as sureties often retain collateral until entries are finalized.
For regulatory reference, please consult https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-19/chapter-I/part-159.
Should you require assistance, the Coppersmith Global Logistics Consulting and Compliance team is available to file liquidation extension requests on your behalf.
Victoria Lane
Chief Compliance Officer
L.E. Coppersmith LLC
HLS USA Promotes Michael Rodriguez to Chief Commercial Officer
Los Angeles, CA, and New York, NY – October, 2025 – Honour Lane Shipping (HLS) USA today announced the promotion of Michael Rodriguez to Chief Commercial Officer, effective October 1, 2025.
Rodriguez will oversee commercial strategy for both HLS USA and Coppersmith Global Logistics, reporting to Jacob Bech-Hansen, President of HLS Group, USA.
Rodriguez joined HLS USA in 2023 as Executive Vice President of National Sales. With 28 years of experience in global logistics, including senior roles at Mallory Alexander, he brings deep expertise in supply chain management, business development, and Asia–U.S. trade.
“It is an honor to assume this new role,” said Rodriguez. “HLS and Coppersmith offer unmatched freight forwarding and customs clearance solutions, and I look forward to introducing more shippers to our capabilities.”
Bech-Hansen added, “Michael’s experience and leadership will be tremendous assets as we continue to expand our combined business.”
Rodriguez will be based out HLS USA’s New York office.
Early Monday at Hong Kong International Airport, a freighter arriving from Dubai slid off the north runway during landing and collided with a security patrol vehicle outside the runway fence. The vehicle and plane ended up partially submerged in the sea, killing both airport security staff inside the car. The four crew aboard the plane survived. The aircraft was operating under a lease, carrying no cargo at the time. An investigation is under way into how the aircraft deviated and why no emergency call was made.
A massive fire at Bangladesh's main airport logistics hub has caused more than $1 billion in estimated losses, devastating the country's export sector. The blaze, which took 27 hours to extinguish, destroyed fabrics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and raw materials—critical supplies for Bangladesh's $40 billion garment industry. The disaster threatens future export contracts as key product samples were lost. It marks Bangladesh's third major fire in a week, raising concerns over safety and fueling speculation about sabotage.
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