After a brief three-day reprieve, new U.S. Section 338 tariffs on specified Canadian products took effect August 22. Canada has since suspended negotiations and announced dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs beginning September 8. For importers, the important question is not simply “What is the Canada tariff?” The answer depends on classification, origin, entry timing, exclusions, and other applicable trade measures. In our latest Trade Update, Coppersmith Global Logistics explains why importers should review the complete customs profile behind each product before changing sourcing, pricing, or landed-cost assumptions.
178 product exclusions from Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods are currently in place — but they expire automatically on November 9, 2026, with no grace period. For importers relying on these exclusions, that means duties as high as 25% could snap back overnight unless USTR acts again.
USTR has framed each extension as temporary, and no new exclusion request process is open. Waiting on another extension is a risk.
We broke down what's covered, what expires, and what importers should be doing right now.
The new 12.5% Section 301 forced-labor tariff on covered China-origin goods became effective on July 24, replacing the temporary 10% Section 122 duty. While the increase may appear modest, many importers will see meaningful changes to landed costs across annual purchasing programs. In our latest article, Coppersmith Global Logistics explains why importers should look beyond the headline rate and review the complete duty stack, including HTS classification, country of origin, existing tariff programs, ERP updates, and landed-cost calculations. Before making sourcing or pricing decisions, accurate customs data should remain the foundation of every strategy.
Food importers seeking FY 2027 benefits under the FDA’s Voluntary Qualified Importer Program must apply by September 1, 2026. VQIP provides qualified participants with expedited import review, limited routine examinations, prioritized laboratory processing, and greater predictability at entry. Eligibility requires more than completing an application. Importers must maintain a written Quality Assurance Program, qualifying import history, compliant FSVP or HACCP processes, and current certifications for covered foreign suppliers. The FY 2027 user fee is $9,994 and must be paid before October 1 for benefits to begin on schedule. Coppersmith’s latest article outlines the steps importers should review now.
Panama Canal Adopts Additional Measures to Address Reduced Precipitation in the Canal Watershed
The Panama Canal Authority issued an Advisory to Shipping today announcing temporary reductions to transit capacity in response to below-expected precipitation in the canal watershed. Effective September 3, 2026, daily slots at the Neopanamax Locks drop to nine and Panamax Locks slots move to twenty-five, with Panamax slots falling further to twenty-three on September 15. The Authority notes that despite the arrival of Panama's rainy season and the water conservation measures already in place following the El Niño event, current watershed conditions require further action to protect the long-term sustainability of transit operations. Alongside the slot reductions, the Canal will temporarily adjust the mix of slots offered through its daily auction, with the stated aim of allocating capacity in a way that better reflects market composition across cargo types and segments.
