Critical Minerals Focus of White House Trade Agreements in 2025
The Trump Administration is pursuing a new style of trade management based on use of tariffs to rectify trade deficits and to set new “reciprocal” tariff rates to level the playing field for all of its trading partners. Critical minerals are a key component of the strategy, because the U.S. is heavily dependent of foreign sources for most of the critical minerals used in modern manufacturing. In response to Trump-imposed tariffs and threats of other trade actions, China has repeatedly used export controls on rare earths and other critical minerals as leverage. This article looks at the current state of critical minerals trade actions, starting with new US agreements with multiple trading partners, then reviewing international norms and proceeding through other trade actions involving critical minerals.
Japan and U.S. Trade Agreement
After challenging negotiations and rising tariff tensions, the U.S. and Japan have reached a trade deal. This agreement precedes the August 1st tariff deadline, preventing a scheduled 25% tariff increase on Japanese products. The deal includes substantial Japanese investments in the U.S.
Black Hole
Jurisdiction and History of Tariff Classification Litigation in the U.S.
Several tribunals and courts were established at various periods of America’s history to resolve trade-related litigation, both at the trial and appellate levels, and even the Supreme Court has played a significant role in these disputes. The jurisdiction and structure of these courts evolved as the complexities and volume of trade disputes grew.
Primer on Deemed Export Compliance
A “deemed” export occurs when certain types of information are released to a foreign person. This primer seeks to describe the introductory concepts of deemed export enforcement in the United States.
Tracing Country of Origin – CBP Enforcement Trends Involving Verifying Country of Origin of Imports
Country of origin of imported merchandise is a cornerstone enforcement area for Customs & Border Protection (“CBP” or “Customs”) and is the accurate tracing of the country of origin of goods and materials across multiple countries and is a crucial aspect of maintaining a compliant global supply chain.
China… Vietnam…What’s Next?
Many people are aware of the Section 301 investigation into the unfair trade practices of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). However, a similar investigation has recently been initiated by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) into actions by Vietnam.
Executive Order Places Reporting Burden on Express Couriers and Customs Brokers to Report Importers
On Friday, January 31, 2020, President Trump issued an executive order reiterating the policy of the United States regarding persons who facilitate imports of merchandise in direct violation of Federal laws and calling for the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue a notice of proposed rule-making to establish criteria an importer must meet before obtaining an importer of record (IOR) number.
We would like to take this opportunity to proudly announce our newest addition to the Braumiller Consulting Group team. Welcome Kim Martin!
Kim Martin, a former Import Specialist for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for 10 years, is knowledgeable in a myriad of Customs requirements and regulations including tariff classification, Anti-dumping and Countervailing (ADD/CVD), Free Trade Agreements (FTA) and other government agency requirements.