New CBP tariff policy in the United States: Deep reshaping of cross-border trade patterns
Date：2025-06-04 10:07:00 View：
Recently, the latest announcement released by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has sparked widespread attention and in-depth discussions in the field of cross-border trade. Although the tariff policies during the Trump administration have faced judicial challenges before, this time CBP has made significant adjustments to the tariff exemption rules for specific goods in accordance with the relevant rulings of the International Trade Court (CIT), which will undoubtedly reshape the existing pattern of cross-border trade.
Extension of exemption period
The tariff exemption policy for "goods in transit", originally scheduled to terminate on May 28th, has been extended until June 16th, 2025.
During this period, goods that meet the following specific conditions can continue to enjoy tariff exemptions:
Loading time requirement: The goods must be loaded and shipped before April 5th, 9th, or 10th, 2025, that is, in transit.
Declaration time requirement: The goods must complete the US entry declaration procedures on or before June 16, 2025.
(It should be noted that this exemption mainly applies to the reciprocal tariffs levied under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).)
Major adjustment of China's commodity tax rate
For Chinese goods shipped between April 9th and 10th, 2025 and declared for entry before June 16th, there has been a critical shift in tariff policy
Cancellation of preferential tax rates: These goods will no longer be subject to the original country specific preferential tax rates.
Additional tariff levy: An additional 10% tariff must be imposed on top of the existing 10% benchmark tariff.
Declaration code specification: HTS code 9903.01.25 must be used when declaring, otherwise there will be risks such as customs clearance obstruction and administrative penalties.
Strictly prevent policy violations and arbitrage
CBP emphasized in the announcement that exemption eligibility is strictly limited to goods loaded and declared on time within the specific time window mentioned above.
Enterprises are required to provide sufficient, effective, and compliant proof documents, and any behavior of using the concept of "in transit" for arbitrage or illegal operations is strictly prohibited. Once violations are discovered, CBP will take severe punishment measures in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.
The impact on cross-border enterprises
Short term buffering effect highlights
The extension of the exemption period provides a valuable adjustment window for companies facing logistics chain difficulties.
Enterprises can take this opportunity to optimize logistics arrangements, improve declaration materials, and avoid hasty declarations and potential compliance risks caused by time constraints. Enterprises should make full use of this buffer period to accelerate the completion of compliant customs clearance processes and ensure the smooth entry of goods into the US market.
Long term costs and increased compliance pressure
The rising cost of Chinese goods: For Chinese goods shipped on April 9-10, the additional 10% tariff will directly push up import costs.
This cost increase may lead to adjustments in product pricing, optimization of supply chain layout, or changes in order pace for enterprises to cope with cost pressures and market competition.
The compliance threshold has significantly increased
This policy adjustment has significantly raised the compliance threshold through more refined time node segmentation and tax rate differentiation. Enterprises need to establish a more comprehensive compliance management system, strengthen their understanding and implementation capabilities of policies, to ensure that business complies with regulations, avoid customs clearance obstacles and penalty risks.
The adjustment of the US CBP tariff policy may seem to provide some buffer time for companies on the surface, but in reality, through a series of complex rules and requirements, it has put forward higher requirements for companies' compliance capabilities and business strategies.
For cross-border sellers, adapting to rules and strengthening compliance capabilities is the only path to survive and seek long-term development in this changing situation. Enterprises should closely monitor policy developments, strengthen cooperation with professional institutions, and adjust their business strategies in a timely manner to cope with the constantly changing trade environment.