Free US Tariff Guides — Rates, Refunds & Trade Policy
In-depth articles on US import tariffs, duty calculations, trade agreements, and sourcing strategies. Updated for 2026.
IEEPA Tariff Refund Portal (CAPE) Is Live — How to Claim Your Money
CBP launched the CAPE refund portal at 8am EST. $166B owed to 330,000+ importers for IEEPA reciprocal tariffs struck down by SCOTUS. Phase 1 covers unliquidated entries and entries within 80 days of liquidation. 60-90 day processing. Step-by-step filing guide inside.
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New Section 232 Tariff on Drones: 100% or 25%, Effective September 3, 2026
A Section 232 tariff on drones took effect September 3, 2026 — 100% on large or thermal-imaging UAS, 25% on consumer models like DJI's Mini and Mavic lines. What's covered, what's exempt, and what it means for prices.
New 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods Takes Effect August 22, 2026 as US-Canada Trade Talks Collapse
On July 20, 2026, President Trump signed three proclamations under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 — a Depression-era statute never before used this way — imposing an additional 50% tariff on a range of Canadian goods including motor vehicles, alcohol, dairy, furniture, and more. After a three-day pause and a last round of talks that fell apart, the tariff took effect 12:01 a.m. ET Saturday, August 22, 2026. Prime Minister Mark Carney suspended trade negotiations and said Canada would retaliate dollar for dollar.
CAPE Phase 1 vs Phase 2 vs Phase 3: Which IEEPA Refund Claims Qualify When
CBP's CAPE portal launched April 20 and started paying refunds May 12. Phase 1 covers two narrow buckets of entries — unliquidated entries and entries within 80 days of liquidation. Phase 2 went live June 29, 2026, adding reconciliation and AD/CVD entries. Phase 3, covering finally-liquidated entries, was delayed by CBP on August 25, 2026 with no new launch date set. Here's the exact eligibility map.
Tariff Refunds Hit $86 Billion Paid — June's $49B Surge and Who's Still Waiting
The tariff refund machine is finally running at full speed: $49.1 billion went out in June alone — more than double what the government collected in new tariffs that month — and $86.3 billion of the $166 billion pool has now been repaid. It even widened the federal budget deficit. But roughly half the money is still outstanding, and the importers still waiting are disproportionately small. Here's the full July 2026 status picture.
CAPE Phase 3 Opens Late July — Finally Liquidated Entries, and Whether You Need to Sue
The last phase of the IEEPA refund rollout was on track for late July — and it's the only one where eligibility is genuinely contested. CBP has since delayed the launch with no new date set. Here's the decision framework: wait for Phase 3, file a protest before your 180-day window closes, sue, or ride the pending class action.
The De Minimis Exemption Is Gone: What the End of the $800 Duty-Free Threshold Means for You
The $800 de minimis exemption has been eliminated for every country — China/Hong Kong since May 2025 and all other countries since August 29, 2025. Every package now faces applicable tariffs regardless of value — here's what that means for your costs and how to adapt.
US Tariff News — 2026 Trade Policy Updates for Importers
All major tariff developments in 2026, organized by month. Latest: Canada's Department of Finance published its complete retaliation product list on August 25, 2026 — roughly 700 US product lines worth $27.6 billion, taxed at 15%, 25%, or 50% depending on the item, effective September 8. That follows the 50% Section 338 tariff on Canadian autos, alcohol, dairy, furniture and more already in effect since August 22, and President Trump's August 24 pledge to separately raise Canadian auto and steel tariffs to 50% effective January 1, 2027 (not yet a signed proclamation). Earlier in August: a new Section 232 tariff on drones (100%/25%, effective September 3) and one on polysilicon (15%, effective December 4) were announced, a Section 201 safeguard on quartz surface products took effect, CBP certified over $100 billion of the $166 billion IEEPA refund pool, and 25 states sued to block the Section 301 forced-labor tariff. Updated regularly.
Trump $2,000 Tariff Dividend Check — Real or Not? (July 2026 Status)
Trump has floated $2,000 tariff dividend checks. As of April 2026, no law has been passed and no checks have been mailed. The actual money flowing right now is the IEEPA tariff refund — and it goes to importers, not consumers. Here's the difference.
USMCA Explained: When Do You Pay 0% Tariff on Canada & Mexico?
89% of Canada/Mexico imports claim USMCA exemption for 0% duty. Learn if your goods qualify — or face 25-35% rates. Note: a new Section 338 tariff on select Canadian goods, in effect since August 22, 2026, applies even with USMCA qualification.
25 States Sue to Block the Section 301 Forced-Labor Tariffs
A coalition of 25 states filed suit in the Court of International Trade on August 3, 2026, seeking to block the Section 301 forced-labor tariff that replaced Section 122 on July 24 — the 10%/12.5% duty now applied to roughly 60 economies. The tariffs remain fully in effect while the case proceeds. Here's what the states argue, what's actually changed so far (nothing, yet), and how this fits with the other tariff litigation already in motion.
Section 232 Tariffs on Steel & Aluminum: Complete 2026 Guide
50% on articles wholly of steel/aluminum/copper, 25% on derivative products — Section 232 applies to nearly all countries and stacks with Section 301. Complete breakdown.
Tariff on Electronics from China: What You'll Pay in 2026
Electronics from China face 37.5% effective tariff (12.5% base + 25% Section 301). Compare sourcing alternatives from Vietnam, Taiwan, and South Korea.
Landed Cost Explained: How to Calculate Your True Import Cost
Landed cost = Product + Shipping + Insurance + Duty + Customs Fees. Step-by-step calculation for a $25,000 shipment from Germany.
Section 122 Tariff Rates 2026: What Replaced IEEPA Tariffs After the Supreme Court Ruling
Section 122 tariff rates in 2026 impose a flat 10% duty on all imports, replacing the variable IEEPA rates struck down by SCOTUS. Here's what importers need to know about the new rate structure, the 150-day expiration clock, and how to plan ahead.
Import Duty from China to USA in 2026: Complete Rate Guide with Calculator
Navigate the complex landscape of import duty from China to USA in 2026. This guide covers current tariff rates, China-specific Section 301 duties, the 12.5% Section 301 forced-labor tier that replaced the expired Section 122 surcharge, de minimis changes, and how to calculate your total landed cost.
US Tariff Rates by Country 2026: Complete List of Import Duty Rates for Every Trading Partner
A comprehensive, country-by-country breakdown of US tariff rates in 2026. Most countries now sit at the two-tier 10%/12.5% Section 301 forced-labor tariff that replaced the expired Section 122 baseline on July 24, the EU is at the trade deal’s 15% all-inclusive ceiling, and Section 232/301 apply where applicable.
How US Tariffs Work — Import Duties Explained Simply
Step-by-step breakdown of how tariffs work in the US: product classification, rate determination, customs collection, and how tariffs stack in 2026.
Anti-Dumping & Countervailing Duties -- The Hidden Tariff (2026)
Anti-dumping and countervailing duties (AD/CVD) can add 50-500%+ to your import costs — and they're not included in standard tariff rate tables. Here's how to check if your product is affected.
Who Pays for Tariffs? Importers Pay, Not Foreign Countries
US importers cut the check to CBP — $112B collected in FY2025. Studies put consumer pass-through at roughly 60-70% within six months. Full breakdown of who actually pays.
EU Import Duty & Tariff: US Buyer Cost Guide (2026)
Since July 1, 2026, EU-origin goods pay a 15% all-inclusive tariff under the EU-US deal — the MFN base is folded into the ceiling, not stacked — plus 0.3464% MPF and 0.125% HMF on ocean arrivals. Here's the real math on a $30,000 French wine container.
Trump Pharma Tariffs 2026: 100% on Patented Branded Drugs
The 100% tariff on branded pharmaceuticals is no longer just threatened — it's confirmed effective July 31, 2026 for the 17 large companies named in the proclamation's Annex III, with everyone else following September 29. Companies with an approved onshoring agreement pay 20% instead. The EU trade deal caps EU branded pharma at 15%, shielding Ireland and Germany; Switzerland stays fully exposed.
Tariff Engineering: How to Legally Reduce Import Duties
With average tariffs at multi-decade highs, the difference between two HTS codes can be tens of thousands of dollars. Tariff engineering — legally designing or classifying a product so it falls into a lower-duty category — is how sophisticated importers cut that bill. It's been legal since an 1881 Supreme Court case, but the line between engineering and fraud is real. Here's where it is.
First-Time Importer Guide: Step-by-Step US Customs Clearance
Your first US import has a specific, learnable sequence: get an importer number, post a customs bond, classify your goods, and file the entry. Miss a step and your shipment sits at the port racking up storage. This is the plain-English walkthrough — every step, every fee, and the tools to estimate your landed cost before you commit.
Tariff vs Duty vs Tax: What's the Difference?
Tariff, duty, and tax sound like three words for the same thing — and in casual use they overlap — but they're distinct concepts, and knowing the difference tells you exactly what shows up on your customs bill. Here's the clean version, plus how they combine on a real US import.
How to Get an Importer of Record (IOR) Number
Before your first shipment can clear US customs, you need an importer of record number — CBP's unique ID for the party responsible for the entry. Getting one is a single form (CBP Form 5106), and this guide walks it for every situation: businesses with an EIN, individuals using an SSN, and foreign companies with neither.
What Is the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF)?
The Merchandise Processing Fee shows up on almost every US customs bill, but it's rarely explained. It's a CBP user fee of 0.3464% of your goods' value, with a floor and a ceiling that changed for FY2026. Here's exactly how it's calculated on formal and informal entries, who owes it, and how to get it back through drawback.
FedEx, UPS & DHL Tariff Refunds: Who's Paying Money Back, When, and How Much
If UPS, FedEx, or DHL billed you customs charges on a package between April 2025 and February 2026, part of that money is coming back — the carriers were the importers of record, CBP refunds them, and all three have committed to passing the IEEPA portion through. Here's the per-carrier status, what's excluded, and the one thing you should NOT do.
Section 301 Is Coming — What Replaces Section 122 After July 24?
Section 122 expired July 24 and USTR finalized the Section 301 replacement the same day: a two-tier 10%/12.5% duty on roughly 60 economies covering 99.4% of US imports — wider than the single-rate, 46-country plan on the table just days earlier. Section 301 has no cap and no time limit, and as of August 3 it's facing its own lawsuit from 25 states.
UPS & FedEx Tariff Refunds — How Consumers Can Get Money Back
UPS and FedEx began filing CAPE declarations April 21 for shipments where they were the Importer of Record. Both have pledged to pass refunds back to customers. Here's who actually gets money.
USMCA Not Renewed — What July 1, 2026 Means for Canada & Mexico Imports
On July 1, 2026, the US declined to renew USMCA at the joint-review deadline. Nothing changes at the border today — 0% preferential treatment stays in force — but the agreement now enters annual reviews and expires July 1, 2036 if no extension is ever agreed. Here's what importers should actually do.
Trump's Tariff Policies — What's Still in Effect and What Changed
Every tariff imposed during Trump's second term — what's still in effect, what was struck down, and current rates by country, including the EU's 15% deal ceiling live since July 1. Updated July 2026.
What You'll Pay Importing Irish Whiskey to the US
Irish whiskey now enters the US under the EU-US trade deal's 15% all-inclusive ceiling (effective July 1, 2026), up from the 10% Section 122 rate — with alcoholic beverages flagged for further negotiation. Full breakdown: HTS codes, landed cost, tariff history, and price impact.
EU Tariffs 2026: US Rates on European Imports Under the July 1 Deal
EU imports pay a 15% all-inclusive US tariff under the EU-US deal that took effect July 1, 2026 — replacing the 10% Section 122 rate plus MFN stacking. Autos dropped to 15%, steel and aluminum are stuck at 50% Section 232. Worked math inside.
Section 301 vs Section 232 Tariffs: The Difference Every Importer Needs to Know
Section 301 and Section 232 are the two most consequential US tariff regimes still in force after the Supreme Court struck down IEEPA. They look similar from the outside but operate on completely different legal authorities, target different goods, and stack differently. Here's the side-by-side.
Spirit Airlines Shutdown — The Aviation Tariff Pressure Behind Industry Costs
Spirit Airlines announced today it is winding down after 34 years. Tariffs are not the headline cause — but Section 232, IEEPA, and base reciprocal duties on aircraft parts, fuel, and equipment have squeezed margins across the entire airline industry. Here's the aviation tariff picture, and what surviving carriers may still be owed in IEEPA refunds.
Don't Have an ACE Portal Account? Your Refund Clock Is Already Running
Fewer than 10% of eligible importers had ACH set up by early March. ACE account applications take up to 30 days. The Phase 1 window won't wait. If you don't have an account, start today.
Air Freight Customs Clearance — Duties, Brokers & Tariff Rates (2026)
Air freight clearance moves through CBP in hours, not days — but it still requires a licensed broker, a Form 7501 entry, and full duty payment. Here's how it works in 2026 and which entries qualify for IEEPA refunds.
IEEPA Tariff Refunds — How to Claim Your Money (April 2026)
CBP launched the CAPE refund portal on April 20. $166B is owed to 330,000+ importers, with statutory interest running 6–7% compounded daily. Step-by-step filing guide, who qualifies for Phase 1, launch-week glitches to avoid, and what's excluded.
How to Calculate Import Duty from China (2026 Guide)
The real 2026 China duty stack — MFN, the 12.5% forced-labor base, Section 301 (25-100%), and 50% Section 232 — with worked examples, the stacking order people get wrong, and the 2025 refund China importers are leaving on the table.
US Tariffs on Clothing & Textile Imports (2026 Rates by Country)
Clothing now enters at a flat 10% base reciprocal tariff (Mexico 0% USMCA; China 12.5% + Section 301). The old 37–49% IEEPA rates are now refundable. Full country comparison.
How Tariff Stacking Works: Why Your Rate Might Be Higher Than You Think
Tariffs stack from multiple authorities — but the base reciprocal tariff is excluded on Section 232 metal, so China steel = 50% (232) + 25% (301) = 75%, not 85%. Learn why your effective rate differs from the headline number.
Cheapest Countries to Import From in 2026 (Lowest US Tariff Rates)
Mexico leads at 0% (USMCA), followed by UK, Japan, Singapore at 10%. Full comparison of the 14 lowest-tariff countries.
India Tariff Changes February 2026: New 18% Rate Explained
India's reciprocal rate reduced from 25% to 18% under an interim trade agreement. Russian oil tariff terminated. Full breakdown of what changed.
What Is a Tariff? Import Duties Explained in Plain English
Plain-language guide to tariffs for beginners. What they are, who actually pays them, how they affect prices, and current US rates in 2026.
HTS Code vs HS Code: Key Differences for US Importers (2026)
HS is 6 digits, universal. HTS is 10 digits, US-only. Use HTS on every CBP entry — misclassification penalties run up to 4x the underpaid duty.
Tariffs in South Korea: US Rates on Korean Imports (2026)
Korean imports pay the 10% Section 301 forced-labor tariff that replaced Section 122 — 15 points below the old 25% IEEPA rate. KORUS zeros out MFN on most goods, and the steel quota shields Korean mills from the 50% Section 232 hit.
India Tariff: US Rates on Indian Imports (2026)
Indian imports pay the 10% Section 301 forced-labor tariff that replaced Section 122 — 8 points lower than the old 18% IEEPA rate struck down by SCOTUS. But apparel MFN at 16.5% still stacks on top. Real math on a $15,000 Tirupur cotton container.
Tariffs Today: Current US Rates as of July 2026
Current US tariffs as of July 31, 2026: a 10% base reciprocal tariff on most countries — the Section 301 forced-labor tariff that replaced the expired Section 122 on July 24 — with EU goods at the trade deal's 15% all-inclusive ceiling, Section 232 on steel/aluminum/autos/copper, and Section 301 still live on China. USMCA preference unchanged despite the non-renewal.
China Tariff Rate: 37.5% Effective (2026)
US imports from China pay about 37.5% effective on most goods — the 12.5% base reciprocal tier plus 25% Section 301. EVs hit 115%, solar 62.5%, steel 75%. IEEPA is gone but Section 301 isn't. Full rate breakdown with worked math.
Furniture Tariffs 2026: 37.5% on China, 12.5% on Vietnam
Chinese furniture pays 37.5% effective duty — 12.5% base reciprocal tariff plus 25% Section 301. Vietnam sits at 12.5% (the forced-labor tier), Mexico and Canada stay zero under USMCA, and the July 24 replacement of Section 122 by the Section 301 forced-labor tariff put Vietnam and Thailand on the same 12.5% base as China.
Tire Tariffs 2026: 37.5% on China Plus AD/CVD up to 87%
Chinese passenger and light truck tires pay 37.5% effective duty plus AD/CVD that can reach 87% — total stack pushes past 120% on some producers. Thailand at 12.5% is a leading low-tariff non-USMCA origin and now the largest exporter of tires to the US. Mexican and Canadian USMCA tires stay at 4% MFN.
Adjust Imports of Copper into the US: 50% Section 232 in 2026
The 2025 proclamation to adjust imports of copper into the US imposed a 50% Section 232 tariff on copper cathode, refined copper, and key downstream articles. Chile, Canada, Mexico, and Peru — the four largest US copper sources — all pay it. FTA carve-outs are limited. A $50,000 cathode shipment now costs $30,000 in duty.
Importing from Vietnam to US: 12.5% Tariff Guide (2026)
Vietnam pays the 12.5% base reciprocal tariff on most lines — the Section 301 forced-labor tariff that replaced Section 122 on July 24, 2026. Section 232 still hits steel, aluminum, copper, and lumber. A further country-specific Section 301 surcharge remains a live risk for Q4 2026.
Imported Foods from Mexico: USMCA & 2026 Tariffs
Mexican food imports under USMCA pay zero duty on avocados, tomatoes, beer, berries, and tequila. Non-qualifying lines pay the 10% base reciprocal tariff. A $25,000 avocado container costs $31.25 in entry — versus $5,082 if USMCA origin fails.
Import Duty from Russia: Column 2 Rates & 2026 Sanctions
Russia lost Permanent Normal Trade Relations status April 8, 2022 — Russian-origin goods now face Column 2 tariff rates running 35-90% on most manufactured products, on top of broad import bans on oil, seafood, diamonds, and gold. The narrow categories still flowing — urea, potash, palladium, enriched uranium — pay punishing AD/CVD margins.
Taiwan Sourcing: 2026 Tariff Stack & Vendor Workflow
Taiwan pays the 10% Section 301 forced-labor tariff that replaced Section 122 on most product lines, after SCOTUS struck down the 32% IEEPA rate. Semiconductors stack 25% Section 232 on top, steel and aluminum pay 50% Section 232, and USTR's March 11 Section 301 investigation could push Taiwanese duty 15-25 points higher by Q3 2026.
Section 122 Expires Tomorrow: The July 24 Tariff Playbook for Importers
Section 122 expired at its statutory 150-day limit on July 24, and USTR's Section 301 replacement took effect the same moment — Scenario 1 below, landing right on time, though wider in scope than proposed: a two-tier 10%/12.5% tariff on roughly 60 economies. Here's what changed and what to check now.
New 25% Tariff on Brazil Takes Effect July 22, 2026: What Importers Need to Know
USTR finalized a Section 301 action imposing a 25% tariff on goods of Brazil, effective July 22, 2026 — the result of a year-long investigation into Brazilian digital trade rules, ethanol market access, and deforestation policy. The Federal Register notice published July 20 confirms the tariff does not stack with Brazil's existing Section 232 steel/aluminum duties and lists a 1,600+ line exemption annex. Here's what's covered, what's exempt, and what to check before your next shipment.
The July 15 CIT Order: ~3,700 Cases Get Reliquidation — Are You Covered?
On July 15 the CIT moved from principle to mechanics: case-specific orders across roughly 3,700 individual IEEPA cases will direct CBP to reliquidate plaintiffs' finally liquidated entries — without the unlawful duties. If you filed at the CIT, your path just got concrete. If you didn't, this order does nothing for you directly — and your remaining options run on per-entry clocks. Here's exactly where you stand.
Why Did I Get a Customs Bill From UPS, FedEx, or DHL? (And How to Fight It)
Millions of Americans are getting duty bills from UPS, FedEx, and DHL on packages that used to arrive free. The $800 de minimis exemption is gone for every country, carriers now bill you the duty plus their own brokerage fees — and the bills are sometimes wrong. Here's how to read yours, check it, and dispute it.
What Is Duty Drawback? How to Get 99% of Import Duties Back
Duty drawback is the original duty refund mechanism — codified in 19 U.S.C. § 1313 long before IEEPA refunds existed. If your imported goods get exported, destroyed, or built into something you export, you can recover up to 99% of duties paid. Here's exactly how it works.
USPS Packages Now Owe Customs Duty — and You May Be the One Who Has to File
CBP's new postal rule takes effect July 24, 2026: de minimis is permanently gone for mail, USPS stops collecting duty on delivery, and responsibility for filing and paying shifts to a 'designated filer' — which can mean you, the person who ordered the package. Here's exactly how the new process works and what to do about it.
UPS Customs Bill: Every Fee Explained + How to Dispute It (2026)
A UPS brokerage invoice stacks the duty CBP charges with UPS's own fees — entry preparation, a 3.5% disbursement fee ($14 minimum), and processing charges. Here's each line explained, how to verify the bill, and the exact dispute path (including the documented case UPS got wrong by 13x).
FedEx Customs Bill: Every Fee Explained + How to Dispute It (2026)
FedEx duty invoices stack CBP's charges with FedEx's clearance entry fee ($9.75-$19.50 by value) and a disbursement fee (greater of $15 or 2%, raised January 2026). Here's each line explained, the viral $1,243 ASOS example, how to dispute — and why FedEx is the one carrier that publicly promised to pass IEEPA refunds through.
DHL Customs Bill: Every Fee Explained + How to Dispute It (2026)
DHL typically collects duty before it delivers — sometimes with bills that dwarf the order, like the verified $1,700 charge on an Australian clothing order. Here's DHL's fee structure, how to check whether the bill is right, the dispute path, and the class action filed over a DHL fee presented as duty.
EU Tariffs Are Now 15% — The US-EU Trade Deal Took Effect July 1, 2026
As of July 1, 2026, most EU-origin goods pay a 15% all-inclusive US tariff under the EU-US trade deal — replacing the 10% Section 122 rate plus MFN stacking. Autos fell from 27.5% to 15%, steel and aluminum stay at 50%, and a September 1 MFN-only list is coming. Here's the full mechanics, with worked math.
CAPE Phase 2 Is Live: Is It Open, What It Covers, and How to File Now
CAPE Phase 2 is officially live as of June 29, 2026 — and if your IEEPA entries were stuck behind Phase 1 (reconciliation or AD/CVD), you can file today. Here's the plain-English answer to 'is Phase 2 open,' who qualifies, and the five-step first-day filing checklist.
CAPE Phase 2 Launches June 29, 2026: What Importers Need to Know
CBP's CAPE refund tool expanded on June 29, 2026 with Phase 2 (reconciliation and AD/CVD entries, now live), with Phase 3 for finally-liquidated entries expected in late July. Here's what each phase covers, how much has been refunded, and the live status of the 10% Section 122 tariff.
CAPE Phase 2 Opened June 29, 2026: What Importers With Stuck Entries Should Do Now.
Phase 1 of CAPE excluded a large share of IEEPA entries — and the importers stuck behind them are disproportionately the largest in the country. CAPE Phase 2 opened June 29, 2026; here's what it covers and what Phase 2 filers should do now to get claims filed and protect refund rights worth $500K to $5M+.
The US-Iran Ceasefire: What the June 2026 Deal Changes for Importers — and What It Doesn't.
The 2026 US-Iran war wound down into a 60-day ceasefire MOU signed June 17 at Versailles — but it is a framework, not a permanent peace, and the Strait of Hormuz remains contested (Iran re-declared it closed June 20). A fragile ceasefire may lower tomorrow's shipping bill — but it does nothing to the $166B in IEEPA refunds importers are already owed on 2025 entries. Here's the clean separation.
Supreme Court Tariff Case: What Happens If IEEPA Tariffs Are Struck Down?
V.O.S. Selections v. United States invalidated IEEPA tariffs on 80+ countries (SCOTUS 6-3, Feb 20 2026), with ~$166B in collected duties now refundable via CBP's CAPE process.
The Duty Drawback 5-Year Lookback: Every Entry Back to 2021 Is Still Claimable
Duty drawback's claim window runs 5 years from each import entry — which means every entry back to mid-2021 is still refundable at 99% today. That window covers the highest-duty period in modern US trade history, and it closes a month at a time. Here's how the lookback works and what it's worth.
Duty Drawback + IEEPA Refunds: You May Be Owed Two Refunds on the Same Entries
The IEEPA refund and duty drawback are separate programs with separate legal bases — and they can both pay out on the same import entries. If you filed a CAPE Declaration, the entry data you reconciled is a pre-built drawback claim. Here's how the two refunds stack, with the math.
Unused Merchandise Drawback, Explained: 99% Back on Goods You Re-Export
Unused merchandise drawback — 19 U.S.C. § 1313(j) — is the simplest and most common drawback type: import goods, re-export them unused, recover 99% of the duty. TFTEA substitution rules mean you don't even have to export the same physical units. Here's exactly how it works.
Manufacturing Drawback, Explained: Recover Duties on Imported Components in Exported Products
If you import components and export finished products, manufacturing drawback refunds 99% of the duty on the imported content — even when the components are transformed beyond recognition. Here's how § 1313(a)/(b) works, what a general manufacturing ruling is, and the BOM math behind a claim.
Duty Drawback for E-Commerce: Returns and Re-Exports Are Refundable — Almost Nobody Claims Them
E-commerce operators eat duty twice: once at import, again when returns and unsold stock get shipped back overseas or destroyed. Duty drawback refunds 99% of that duty — and the e-commerce sector claims almost none of it. Here's the playbook for returns-driven drawback.
IEEPA Tariff Refund Timeline: When Does the Money Actually Arrive? (Updated May 2026)
First IEEPA refunds hit bank accounts May 12, 2026 — about 80 days after the Supreme Court struck down the tariffs. Here's the operational timeline: court rulings, the 45-day liquidation cadence inside CBP, the 60-90 days between CAPE acceptance and ACH payment, statutory interest mechanics, and how to track your refund in CAPE.
The Trump-Xi Deal Doesn't Touch Your 2025 Refunds. But It Changes Why You Should Claim Them This Week.
Trump and Xi concluded two days of Beijing talks on May 15 with a sweeping framework: fentanyl tariff cut from 20% to 10%, the 24% reciprocal tariff suspended through November 10, 2026, and a 200-Boeing-aircraft purchase commitment from China. The average US tariff on Chinese goods is now 47.5% — still 15x its pre-2025 baseline. But the $58 billion in 2025 IEEPA tariffs paid on Chinese imports remains legally owed. The deal addresses tomorrow's tariffs. Your refund covers yesterday's. Two separate fights — and the next six months are the cleanest political window importers will see.
The Same Court Paused IEEPA Tariffs Last Year. Then SCOTUS Killed Them. Section 122 Just Hit Step One.
On June 11, 2026, the Federal Circuit stayed pending appeal the Court of International Trade's ruling against Trump's 10% Section 122 tariff (after a brief administrative stay ~May 12), so collection continues. It echoes the IEEPA sequence of 2025 — but with a key twist: this time the court signaled the government may win. The parallel is real, but not destiny.
Whatever Happens in Beijing This Week, US Importers Are Already Owed $58 Billion from China Tariffs
Trump is meeting Xi Jinping in Beijing this week. Whatever they announce affects future tariffs — but $58 billion in IEEPA refunds for Chinese imports paid in 2025 is already legally owed. Two of three Trump tariff schemes have already been ruled illegal by US courts. Your refund rights are protected by judicial order, not political negotiation.
The Tariff House of Cards: Two Schemes Down. Your Refund Window is Closing.
Section 122 ruled unlawful May 7. Government appealed May 8. IEEPA refunds already flowing. Today's May 12 court status conference reveals the next wave of payouts. The combined refund pool for US importers now exceeds $200 billion — but Section 122 refunds aren't automatic. You have to fight for them.
The Iran War Just Made Every Importer's Tariff Refund Twice as Important
Brent at $101. Gas up $1.16/gallon. Jet fuel up 95%. The Strait of Hormuz still blocked. War-risk insurance triple. While US importers absorb every dollar of war-driven surcharge, $166 billion in IEEPA tariff refunds sits in CBP's queue — and most of it remains unclaimed.
First Refunds in 2 Days. Court Status Report Drops May 12.
Two days. That's how long until the first IEEPA tariff refunds appear in importer bank accounts. May 12 is when Judge Eaton's next court status report drops — and it will tell every importer in America whether they're in the 21% getting paid or the 79% still stuck.
May 11 Is Here in 3 Days. Where's Your Refund?
On May 11-12, the first IEEPA tariff refunds will appear in importer bank accounts. 79% of CAPE submissions are still stuck or rejected. The June 7 government appeal deadline is closing in. Here's the 3-day countdown, the data error problem nobody is solving, and what to do this weekend if you haven't filed.
Trump's 'Project Freedom' and the Strait of Hormuz — What Importers Need to Know
Trump announced Project Freedom Sunday night. The US Navy began escorting US-flagged merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz Monday. Iran fired cruise missiles, drones, and small boats at US ships. Oil topped $110/barrel. Gas hit $4.46. Here's what just happened, what it costs US importers, and why your IEEPA tariff refund matters more this week than last.
The First Tariff Refunds Arrive May 11. 79% of Claims Are Still Stuck.
CBP filed an official progress report with Judge Eaton on April 28. 75,306 declarations filed. Only 21% accepted. Only 3% in the refund stage. First payments arrived around May 11-12. The government appealed June 2-3, 2026, and a June 9 hearing left CAPE paying in the meantime. Here's what separates the 3% from the 79%.
CBP Is Rejecting 15% of CAPE Refund Claims. Here's Why — And How to Not Be One of Them
CBP has officially confirmed: 15% of all CAPE Declarations filed since April 20 have been rejected. One in six importers turned away. Here are the five reasons claims fail, what a rejection actually costs you, and what to do if you've already been rejected.
CAPE Error Codes Explained — The Complete Guide for Importers
CBP published the complete CAPE error code table. Every error means something specific. Some you can fix yourself. Some require professional help. Some lock entries permanently. Here's the full breakdown — and the time-sensitivity hierarchy that decides what you do first.
CAPE Portal: "Unable to Calculate Duty" — This Error Is Costing You Time and Money
The CAPE "unable to calculate duty" error is not a glitch. It is CAPE telling you your data doesn't match CBP's records. Resubmitting wrong routes your claim to manual review for months. Here's what's actually happening — and why this isn't a DIY fix.
The CAPE Risks Nobody Is Talking About — False Claims, Offsets, and Today's Court Ruling
If your IEEPA refund is $250,000 or more, CAPE is not file-and-forget. False Claims Act exposure for inaccurate entries. CBP offset against other duties owed. AD/CVD entries in the slow queue. Today's court ruling and what it means.
Is the Trump $2,000 Tariff Check Real? 2026 Status
Trump has talked about $2,000 tariff dividend checks. As of April 2026 the bill hasn't been passed. The refund money flowing right now is the IEEPA tariff refund — to importers, not consumers. Here's the honest status.
Who Gets a Tariff Rebate Check in 2026? Honest Answer
Tariff rebate checks for consumers haven't been authorized by law. The actual rebate money flowing in 2026 goes to importers via CAPE. Here's who qualifies, who doesn't, and the realistic timeline.
Duty Drawback Process Flow Chart 2026 — Step-by-Step
The duty drawback process in seven steps: import, document, export or destroy, prepare claim, file through ACE Drawback, CBP review, ACH payment. Here's the timing and the forms.
Duty Drawback Software 2026 — What Brokers Use
Duty drawback software automates the import-export matching, claim preparation, and ACE Drawback filing that used to be done in spreadsheets. Here's what brokers actually use, what features matter, and whether you need software or a broker service.
What Does a Customs Broker Do? Role in IEEPA Refund Filing
A customs broker is a CBP-licensed professional who files entries on behalf of importers. For 2026, they're also the fastest path to a clean CAPE refund declaration. Here's exactly what they do.
The Tariff Refund Threat Nobody Is Talking About — June 7 Deadline
The government has approximately 43 days to appeal Judge Eaton's IEEPA refund order. Trade attorneys expect a filing. A Federal Circuit stay could halt refunds mid-stream. Get acceptance before June 7 — or accept the legal-process risk.
CAPE Portal Day One — Filing Tips, Errors to Avoid, What's Working
CAPE went live at 8am EST on April 20. Here's what happened on day one, the filing mistakes that cause rejections, and how importers are monitoring refund status through REV-615.
CAPE Portal Day Three — What's Working, What's Breaking, and What You Need to Fix Now
CAPE is three days old. The portal works for clean data and punishes everything else. Queue segmentation, the "Unable to calculate duty" error, the 80-day window math, and what to do right now.
Supreme Court Strikes Down IEEPA Tariffs — Trump Signs 10% Replacement Same Day
SCOTUS struck down IEEPA tariffs 6-3. Hours later, Trump signed a 10% global tariff under Section 122 (150-day limit, expires ~July 24). Full breakdown for importers.
Hormuz Reopens — What Falling Oil Prices Mean for Your Import Costs
Iran has reopened the Strait of Hormuz after weeks of blockade. Brent crude dropped from a peak of $118/bbl to approximately $83/bbl. Shipping rates, insurance premiums, and raw material costs should begin easing — tariff rates remain unchanged.
Strait of Hormuz Blockade -- How It Affects US Import Costs (April 2026)
The US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz drove oil to a peak of $118/bbl and spiked shipping costs. (Update April 17: strait reopened, oil now ~$83/bbl.) Here's what importers need to know about the impact on landed costs, transit times, and raw material prices.
How to Find the HTS Code for Your Product: Step-by-Step Lookup Guide
Finding the correct HTS code for your product is the single most important step in importing goods into the United States. This guide walks you through every method available to classify your products accurately and avoid costly customs penalties.
Tariff Playbooks
Step-by-step worked examples with real numbers. Each playbook walks through a complete tariff calculation for a specific product and country.
China Electronics Tariff -- Full Calculation Example (2026)
Walk through the complete landed cost of a $50,000 electronics shipment from China. Every line item explained, from the Section 301 forced-labor tariff to customs broker fees.
Steel Import Tariffs -- Section 232 Stacking Explained (2026)
Steel faces the highest tariff stacking of any product. Section 232 is 50% on wholly-steel articles, 25% on derivatives (the base surcharge does not stack on the metal content) — before you even check for Section 301 or AD/CVD duties.
USMCA Duty-Free Checklist -- Does Your Product Qualify? (2026)
USMCA can eliminate base duties on goods from Canada and Mexico — but only if your product meets the rules of origin. Here's the complete checklist.
Landed Cost Formula -- Complete Breakdown With Calculator (2026)
Every component of landed cost explained and calculated: product cost, shipping, insurance, customs duties (Section 301 forced-labor/232/301), MPF, HMF, drayage, and broker fees.
Cheapest Countries to Import From in 2026 -- Rate Comparison
The SCOTUS ruling collapsed tariff differences between countries. Vietnam went from 46% to 10%. Here's the new landscape for sourcing decisions in 2026.