Updated: January 16, 2025
Understanding Key U.S. Tariffs: Section 201, Section 232, & Section 301
As global trade continues to evolve, tariffs remain a critical factor shaping the strategies of businesses engaged in international trade. With the proposed reintroduction of Trump-era tariffs and ongoing updates to existing trade policies, understanding their implications has never been more essential. Below is a comprehensive overview of the key tariffs and their impacts, along with how J.M. Rodgers can help your business mitigate these challenges through expert duty drawback services
Section 201 Tariffs: Protecting Domestic Industries
- Overview: Initiated in February 2018 under the Trade Act of 1974, Section 201 tariffs aim to safeguard U.S. industries from injury caused by increased imports.
- Implementation: Initially applied to solar cells, panels, and washing machines, with periodic updates and specific exclusions for certain products.
- Drawback Eligibility: Products subjected to Section 201 tariffs are eligible for duty drawback refunds when exported, allowing businesses to recover a significant portion of their paid duties.
Section 232 Tariffs: Ensuring National Security
- Overview: First introduced on March 23, 2018, under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, Section 232 tariffs address national security concerns by limiting steel and aluminum imports to bolster domestic production.
- Implementation: Covers nearly all steel and aluminum products without exemptions for close trade partners like Canada.
- Drawback Eligibility: Unfortunately, Section 232 tariffs remain ineligible for duty drawback refunds, even if the products are exported or destroyed.
Section 301 Tariffs: Countering Unfair Trade Practices
- Overview: These tariffs, the most extensive in scope, were enacted under the Trade Act of 1974 to address unfair trade practices. They primarily target goods originating from China.
- Implementation: Spanning multiple tranches, these tariffs affect over $200 billion in imports from China.
- Drawback Eligibility: When exported, products subject to Section 301 tariffs are eligible for duty drawback refunds, which allow businesses to recapture tariff costs.
Why Choose J.M. Rodgers for Duty Drawback Services?
Navigating the complexities of tariff regulations requires expertise, precision, and the right tools. J.M. Rodgers offers unparalleled service to help businesses maximize their duty drawback opportunities:
- Custom Solutions: Our proprietary software and Six Sigma-certified processes ensure accurate and compliant duty drawback claims, even for complex scenarios.
- Expertise in All Drawback Types: Whether it’s Manufacturing Drawback, Unused Drawback, or Destruction Drawback, our dedicated team of licensed customs brokers and specialists has the expertise to recover your tariff costs.
- Supply Chain Optimization: We analyze your supply chain to uncover hidden refund opportunities, such as domestic receipts and exporting customer sales.
- Audit Support: Our internal audit processes mimic U.S. Customs’ reviews, ensuring compliance and preparedness for any inquiries.
- Proactive Monitoring: We continuously monitor regulatory updates and the proposed reintroduction of Trump-era tariffs, enabling us to adapt your drawback strategies in real-time.
Stay Ahead of Upcoming Tariff Changes
The anticipated reintroduction of tariffs, including expansions to Section 301 and potential new trade actions, underscores the need for proactive planning. J.M. Rodgers is your trusted partner in navigating these challenges, ensuring your business remains competitive in the global marketplace.
For a detailed consultation on how these tariffs may impact your operations and how our duty drawback services can maximize your refund opportunities, contact Andrew Galloway, SVP, at agalloway@jmrodgers.com or call (973) 726-5340. Alternatively, please fill out the contact form below, and our team will contact you promptly.