Hello Customers, Colleagues, and Friends,
The U.S. tariff landscape continues to evolve, and while the recent Supreme Court decision eliminated tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), it did not eliminate tariff uncertainty.
Several other tariff authorities remain active and continue to impact importers, making it more important than ever to understand how these regulations may affect your business.
What Changed?
On February 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that IEEPA could not be used as the legal basis for broad tariffs. As a result, U.S. Customs and Border Protection stopped collecting IEEPA tariffs shortly after the ruling. However, other tariff authorities remain in effect and continue to shape U.S. trade policy.
Key Tariff Authorities to Watch
Section 122
- Currently imposes a temporary tariff on many imported goods.
- Limited to 150 days unless extended by Congress.
- Currently scheduled to expire on July 24, 2026.
- Ongoing legal challenges could affect its future.
Section 301
- Continues to address unfair foreign trade practices.
- Remains one of the government’s primary long-term tariff tools.
- New investigations and tariff actions remain possible across multiple industries.
Section 232
- Applies to imports that may impact U.S. national security.
- Continues to affect products containing steel, aluminum, and copper, including many downstream manufactured goods.
- Importers should regularly review classifications, product composition, and country of origin requirements.
Section 338
- Although it has never been used, Section 338 has received increased attention as another potential tariff authority.
- While currently inactive, it remains part of the broader trade policy discussion.
What This Means for Importers
Rather than monitoring a single tariff program, importers must now stay informed across several different legal authorities, each with its own rules, timelines, and compliance requirements.
Now is a good time to:
- Review sourcing strategies and tariff exposure.
- Monitor ongoing trade investigations and regulatory updates.
- Verify product classifications, valuations, and country of origin reporting.
- Work closely with your customs broker and trade advisors.
One thing is certain: July 24, 2026, will bring change. As the current Section 122 tariffs approach their scheduled expiration, importers should closely monitor future announcements and be prepared to adapt to new trade policies.
As always, if you have questions about tariff changes, customs compliance, product classification, or your overall import strategy, the team at Krenz & Hannan International is here to help.
Sincerely, Your friends at Krenz & Hannan International