Latest news regarding new Trump Tariffs as of 7th of April 2025
We want to inform our valued US customers about an upcoming change that may affect future orders.
Here’s what we know so far:
On April 2, 2025 (US Eastern Daylight Time), President Trump signed an executive order introducing new tariffs and modifying the de minimis exemption. While this has not yet affected shipments from Japan, this could change with little warning.
- Starting at 12:01 AM on April 5, 2025 (EDT): An additional 10% tariff will be imposed on products originating from all countries/regions in addition to existing tariffs, fees, and other taxes.
- Starting at 12:01 AM on April 9, 2025 (EDT): Individual tariffs for 60 countries and regions will be increased from 10% to the rates specified in the reciprocal tariff schedule.
- Starting at 12:01 AM on May 2, 2025 (EDT): The de minimis exemption for products originating from China and Hong Kong will no longer apply when imported into the U.S., regardless of the shipping origin—except for shipments sent via postal networks.
- For all other regions worldwide, including Japan, the de minimis exemption will continue to apply until the Secretary of Commerce informs the US President that an appropriate system is in place to fully and promptly process and collect revenue from tariffs applied under this provision.
Currently, under existing de minimis regulations, orders under USD $800 are exempt from import duties. However, the US administration has announced plans to revise these rules. Once the new regulations take effect, all imports from overseas—regardless of order value—may become subject to tariffs. Specifically, a 24% tariff will be applied to all US imports from Japan, based on the total purchase price. This tariff will be the responsibility of the US buyer (or the importer of record). While this change has not yet been implemented, we recommend placing any planned orders soon to avoid potential additional costs. Kindly note, given the dynamic nature of changing regulations, we cannot make any guarantees of any duty that may be levied at this point. (https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Annex-I.pdf).
What to Expect When the Tariff Takes Effect:
Based on the latest available information, the proposed 24% tariff will apply to all orders of any value once the U.S. Postal Service and U.S. Customs Service implement a system for identifying package values, and the Secretary of Commerce formally notifies the US President. At this time, there is no confirmed timeline for when these changes will take effect. Once the system is in place, here’s what we understand will typically occur (subject to change):
If you receive a shipment from outside the U.S., your package will be intercepted and held by your local customs authority.
Customs will assess the declared value of your shipment and issue a payment request for the tariff.
Once the payment is made, your package will be released and delivered to you.
If you choose not to pay, the shipment will be returned to the sender.
Please note: this change only affects U.S. customers. Because this tariff is a U.S. tax imposed on the importer of record (i.e., the U.S. buyer), we will not be able to pay it on your behalf.
We understand your concerns and hope for a policy reversal. In the meantime, we will keep you updated on any developments as we become aware of them. Thank you for your kind attention.
The Goods Japan Team