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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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.
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 10% 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 the July 24 sunset plus USTR's March 11 Section 301 investigation could push Taiwanese duty 15-25 points higher by Q3 2026.
Importing from Vietnam to US: 10% Tariff Guide (2026)
Vietnam pays 10% Section 122 on most lines after SCOTUS struck down the 46% IEEPA rate. Section 232 still hits steel, aluminum, copper, and lumber. The July 24 sunset and USTR's March 11 Section 301 investigation could push Vietnamese duty 15-25 points higher by Q3 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 10% Section 122. A $25,000 avocado container costs $31.25 in entry — versus $5,082 if USMCA origin fails.
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 arrive around May 11. The May 12 court report will reveal the next wave. The June 7 appeal deadline is still real. Here's what separates the 3% from the 79%.
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 Section 122 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.
Tire Tariffs 2026: 35% on China Plus AD/CVD up to 87%
Chinese passenger and light truck tires pay 35% effective duty plus AD/CVD that can reach 87% — total stack pushes past 120% on some producers. Thailand at 10% is the cheapest 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.
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.
Furniture Tariffs 2026: 35% on China, 10% on Vietnam
Chinese furniture pays 35% effective duty in April 2026 — 10% Section 122 plus 25% Section 301. Vietnam holds at 10% flat (the cheapest non-USMCA option), Mexico and Canada stay zero under USMCA, and the July 24 Section 122 sunset could push Vietnam to 25-40% by Q3.
Trump Pharma Tariffs 2026: 100% on Patented Branded Drugs
Patented branded pharmaceuticals face a 100% tariff under the Trump pharma policy — targeting Ireland, Switzerland, India, and Germany. Generics and active ingredients stay duty-free. The Section 232 pharma investigation closes before the July 24 Section 122 sunset.
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.
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.
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.
Trump $2,000 Tariff Dividend Check 2026 — Real or Not?
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.
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 2026 — Recover Up to 99% of Import Duties
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tariffs Today: Current US Rates as of April 2026
Current US tariffs as of April 24, 2026: 10% Section 122 baseline on all countries, Section 232 stacking on steel/aluminum/autos/copper, Section 301 still live on China. IEEPA refunds flowing through CAPE. And the 10% baseline expires July 24.
China Tariff Rate: 35% Effective in April 2026
US imports from China pay 35% effective on most goods today — 10% Section 122 + 25% Section 301. EVs hit 110%, solar 60%, steel 60%. IEEPA is gone but Section 301 isn't. Full rate breakdown with worked math.
EU Import Duty & Tariff: US Buyer Cost Guide (2026)
EU-origin goods stack four line items: 10% Section 122, the MFN base for your HTS, 0.3464% MPF, and 0.125% HMF on ocean arrivals. Here's the real math on a $30,000 French wine container.
India Tariff: US Rates on Indian Imports (2026)
Indian imports pay 10% 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.
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.
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.
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.
Section 301 Is Coming — What Replaces Section 122 After July 24?
Section 122 (10% flat) expires July 24. USTR is already running Section 301 investigations into 16 economies. Section 301 has no cap and no time limit — rates could go higher.
EU Tariffs 2026: US Rates on European Imports After SCOTUS
EU imports pay 10% Section 122 after the SCOTUS ruling — half the old 20% IEEPA rate. But steel and aluminum are stuck at 50% Section 232. Worked math and what changes on July 24, 2026.
Tariffs in South Korea: US Rates on Korean Imports (2026)
Korean imports pay 10% 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% hit.
US Tariff News — 2026 Trade Policy Updates for Importers
All major tariff developments in 2026, organized by month. SCOTUS ruling, Section 122, UK trade deal, EU negotiations, Hormuz crisis and reopening, and more. Updated regularly.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Updated April 2026.
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.
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.
What You'll Pay Importing Irish Whiskey to the US
Current US tariff rate on Irish whiskey is 10% under Section 122. Full breakdown: HTS codes, landed cost, tariff history, and price impact.
How to Calculate Import Duty from China (2026 Guide)
Current China rate structure: 10% Section 122 + Section 301 surcharges. Step-by-step calculation for a $10,000 electronics shipment.
Section 232 Tariffs on Steel & Aluminum: Complete 2026 Guide
Steel 50%, Aluminum 50%, Copper 50% — Section 232 applies to ALL countries and stacks on Section 122 rates. Complete breakdown.
Tariff on Electronics from China: What You'll Pay in 2026
Electronics from China face 35% effective tariff (10% Section 122 + 25% Section 301). Compare sourcing alternatives from Vietnam, Taiwan, and South Korea.
How Tariff Stacking Works: Why Your Rate Might Be Higher Than You Think
Tariffs stack from multiple authorities: China steel = 10% + 50% + 25% = 85%. Learn why your effective rate is higher than the headline number.
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.
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 Chinese imports. Every package from China now faces full tariffs regardless of value — here's what that means for your costs and how to adapt.
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.
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, Section 301 duties, additional executive-order surcharges, de minimis changes, and how to calculate your total landed cost with our free tool.
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, covering baseline duties, reciprocal tariffs, and sector-specific surcharges for every major trading partner.
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.
Supreme Court Tariff Case: What Happens If IEEPA Tariffs Are Struck Down?
V.O.S. Selections v. United States could invalidate IEEPA tariffs on 80+ countries, with $130B+ in collected duties at stake.
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.
US Tariffs on Clothing & Textile Imports (2026 Rates by Country)
Clothing faces no extra sector surcharge, but country rates hit hard: Bangladesh 37%, Cambodia 49%, Vietnam 46%. Full country comparison.
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.
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 Section 122 to customs broker fees.
Steel Import Tariffs -- Section 232 Stacking Explained (2026)
Steel faces the highest tariff stacking of any product. Section 122 (10%) + Section 232 (50%) = 60% 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 122/232/301), 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.