On Aug. 11, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order extending the current pause on reciprocal tariffs against China for an additional 90 days. The move came just hours before an Aug. 12 at midnight deadline, preventing a sharp escalation in U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods. Under the extension, U.S. trade remedy tariffs on Chinese imports remain at 30% (20% IEEPA fentanyl and 10% IEEPA reciprocal), while China maintains its reduced trade remedy tariff rate at 10%, preserving the existing trade terms. The White House stated that the decision allows more time for ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries.
Increased tariffs and broader trade enforcement priorities are driving heightened scrutiny from Customs and DOJ. Reviews now focus on accurate valuation, country of origin and signs of transshipment to evade higher tariffs. Agencies are treating most violations as intentional, with potential penalties that can exceed the value of the goods. Importers should ensure every declaration is correct and compliance controls are rigorous to reduce exposure.
