With 2025 shaping up to be one of the most turbulent years for tariff activity in recent memory, understanding what’s changed and how it affects your bottom line is essential.
From sweeping surcharges on steel and autos to country-specific retaliatory moves, the global trade environment has shifted fast.
At ITC Diligence International, we help importers navigate trade volatility with clarity and strategy by providing international trade advisory services.
Let’s walk through the major tariff actions of 2025 so far, what they target, and how businesses are adjusting in response.
March 12 – Steel & Aluminum (25%)
Tariff: 25% on steel and aluminum imports from all countries, replacing exemptions and raising aluminum from 10% to 25%
Goods: Broad range of steel/aluminum products
Impact: U.S. manufacturing costs rose by ~$50 billion annually; Canada and EU quickly retaliated
April 3 – Autos & Auto Parts (25%)
Tariff: 25% on cars; auto parts followed in early May
Goods: Imported vehicles and parts (Mexico/Canada excluded if USMCA-compliant)
Impact: Automotive supply chains shifted, with manufacturers accelerating sourcing diversification
ated
April 5 – Universal Import Tariff (10%)
Tariff: 10% baseline tariff on nearly all imports, using IEEPA authority
Goods: Applies to 60+ countries; Canada and Mexico exempt
Impact: Added complexity to sourcing strategies, increasing landed costs and triggering market uncertainty
April 9 – Reciprocal Tariffs (11–50%)
Tariff: Country-specific surcharges atop universal tariff, reaching up to 50%
Status: Paused for 90 days (except China) to allow negotiations
Impact: Heightened unpredictability in global trading partners
June 4 – Steel & Aluminum Double to 50%
Tariff: Increased from 25% to 50% on all steel and aluminum imports
Goods: Re-applied to entire steel/aluminum categories
Impact: Added ~$50 billion on top of prior tariffs; global metals markets experienced major turbulence
What’s Next: Section 232 Investigations Underway
Several new Section 232 investigations are currently in motion and could lead to additional duties later this year:
- Timber / Lumber
- Pharmaceuticals
- Semiconductors
- Copper
- Furniture
These investigations are examining whether imports in these industries threaten U.S. national security or economic stability, criteria often used to justify emergency tariffs. Importers in these sectors should begin assessing potential exposure now.eihether imports in these industries threatentional security or economic stability, criteria often used to justify emergency tariffs. Importers in these sectors should begin assessing potential exposure now.
What It Means for Business
Several new Section 232 investigations are currently in motion and could lead to additional duties later this year:
- Higher costs, more disruption: From steel and auto to everyday imports, tariffs have reshaped pricing and sourcing.
- Supply chain realignments: Companies are shifting supply networks, exploring nearshoring, and segmenting production.
- Strategic tools matter: Tools like FTZs, tariff engineering, and country-of-origin planning are no longer optional; they're essential
Want a toolkit for dealing with this tariff uncertainty?
ITC Diligence International offers international trade advisory services from tariff exposure analysis to FTZ integration and import strategy optimization.
ITC Diligence International: Your Trusted Partner in Global Trade and Compliance Solutions
At ITC Diligence International, we specialize in helping businesses streamline global operations, navigate complex trade regulations with confidence, and unlock the full potential of Foreign Trade Zones. As international trade consultants with over two decades of experience, our expert team provides tailored solutions in FTZ setup, sub-operator solutions, customs brokerage, supply chain optimization, cargo insurance and bonded warehousing.
By combining deep regulatory expertise with a client-focused approach, we empower companies to achieve cost efficiencies and maintain compliance while staying competitive in today’s global markets.
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