Flexport: New tariff wave could replace expiring trade duties by late July
Trade experts at Flexport say July could bring sweeping tariff changes, new compliance requirements and legal battles over U.S. trade policy. The post Flexport: New tariff wave could replace expiring trade duties by late July appeared first on FreightWaves.
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As importers continue navigating one of the most turbulent trade environments in recent memory, executives at supply chain management and logistics provider Flexport said that a new round of tariffs could arrive before existing duties disappear, potentially keeping pressure on global supply chains despite ongoing court challenges.
During Flexport’s webinar on Tuesday, “Tariff Trends 2026: Expert Insights on the Evolving U. S. Tariff Landscape,” customs and trade experts outlined a rapidly evolving tariff regime.
A new round of tariffs and policy moves could include proposed Section 301 tariffs tied to forced labor concerns, changes to Section 232 metal duties, uncertainty surrounding the future of USMCA negotiations, and continued litigation over tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
Marcus Eeman, director of customs at Flexport, said importers should not expect major changes when the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement reaches its scheduled July 1 review milestone. window. googletag = window. googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag. cmd. push(function() {googletag.
defineSlot('/21776187881/FW-Responsive-Main_Content-Slot1', [[300, 100], [320, 50], [728, 90], [468, 60]], 'div-gpt-ad-1709668545404-0'). defineSizeMapping(gptSizeMaps. banner1). addService(googletag. pubads()); googletag. pubads(). enableSingleRequest(); googletag. pubads(). collapseEmptyDivs(); googletag. enableServices(); }); googletag. cmd.
push(function() {googletag. display('div-gpt-ad-1709668545404-0'); }); “The July 1 deal is looking unlikely, but benefits continue,” Eeman said, noting that USMCA preferences would remain in effect even if negotiators fail to reach new agreements this summer. According to Eeman, the U. S. is seeking a stronger U. S.
-specific labor content requirements, particularly in automotive manufacturing, while Canada and Mexico continue pushing for relief from Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum and other metals. Mexico and Canada have argued that such duties run counter to the spirit of a free trade agreement.
Forced labor tariffs could replace expiring Section 122 duties One of the most significant developments discussed during the webinar involved a proposed Section 301 tariff program targeting countries deemed to have inadequate forced labor enforcement. Under recommendations currently under review by the Office of the U. S.
Trade Representative, 13 countries plus the European Union would face a 10% tariff, while 46 additional countries would face a 12. 5% duty. Most countries that currently maintain trade agreements with the U. S. would fall into the lower tariff tier.
Flexport said the proposed tariff structure would exempt many products already excluded under prior IEEPA tariff programs, including unavailable natural resources, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, civil aircraft products and goods already subject to Section 232 tariffs. USMCA- and DR-CAFTA-qualified products would also be exempt.
Eeman said the USTR is also considering a tariff-rate quota system for textile imports, potentially allowing a specified volume of apparel imports to enter at a lower tariff rate before higher duties apply. window. googletag = window. googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag. cmd. push(function() {googletag.
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push(function() {googletag. display('div-gpt-ad-1665767553440-0'); }); Comments on the proposal remain open through July 6, with a public hearing scheduled for July 7. Flexport expects the new Section 301 tariffs to be implemented before Section 122 duties expire on July 24.
Legal battle likely over new Section 301 program Flexport also highlighted what could become the next major tariff court fight. Supporters argue Section 301 clearly authorizes tariffs following investigations into trade practices that burden U. S. commerce. Opponents counter that imposing tariffs on products representing roughly 99% of U. S.
import value stretches congressional intent and could face challenges under the Supreme Court’s “major questions” doctrine.
Eeman noted that unlike the original 2018 Section 301 tariffs on Chinese imports, which were supported by extensive findings regarding intellectual property theft and industrial subsidies, the forced-labor proposal may face greater scrutiny over whether tariffs are an appropriate remedy. window. googletag = window. googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag. cmd.
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This briefing is based on reporting from Freightwaves. Use the original post for full primary-source context.
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