President Trump Cuts Certain Reciprocal Tariffs on Agricultural Products
On November 14, 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order exempting certain agricultural products from the reciprocal tariffs. The exemptions for certain agricultural products went into effect on November 13, 2025.
New Value Manifest/Manifestacion de Valor – via VUCEM
Beginning December 9, 2025, importers in Mexico will be required to complete and submit the Electronic Value Manifest through VUCEM (Mexico’s Electronic Single Window). This measure increases the importer’s direct participation and responsibility in determining and declaring the correct customs value of imported goods.
Tariffs, Deals, Steel, Aluminum and AI – Oh My! Welcome to the New Normal
New tariffs, changed tariffs, and reduced tariffs are announced with short notice. The duties on merchandise can change while a shipment is in the middle of the ocean. The status of free trade agreements has become uncertain. New detailed duties are assessed on steel and aluminum and their derivatives. Artificial intelligence is playing an increasing role.
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.
Section 232 Steel & Aluminum Derivative Products Inclusion Process Expands Scope of the National Security Purpose of Section 232 Investigations
On February 10, 2025, the President issued Presidential Proclamations Under Section 232 of the U.S. Code adjusting imports of steel and aluminum into the United States. These Proclamations provided an expanded listing of steel and aluminum derivative articles but also instructed the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to establish a process for including additional derivative aluminum and steel articles within the scope of the ad valorem duties.
The Automotive Industry, China’s Semi Grip on Supply Chains, and General Motors 2027 Exit Strategy for Suppliers (Is a clean break even possible?)
General Motors (GM) has instructed thousands of its suppliers to phase out sourcing parts and materials from China by 2027. The exit strategy began in early 2024, with the directive gaining momentum in spring of this year, 2025. This directive is part of GM’s broader strategy to enhance supply chain resiliency and reduce exposure to geopolitical risks, particularly amid escalating, or let’s just say, continuously fluctuating, U.S.–China trade tensions.
Hot Topics in International Trade. Bob Brewer, VP Marketing/NBD sits down with Managing Partner Adrienne Braumiller, Braumiller Law Group to discuss IEEPA tariff refunds, or not
Hot Topics in International Trade. Bob Brewer, VP Marketing/NBD sits down with Managing Partner Adrienne Braumiller, Braumiller Law Group to discuss IEEPA tariff refunds, or not.
Hot Topics in International Trade A Tariff Christmas Message for US Kids
Hey kids in the US please pay attention and beware. Yes, Santa is still coming but regarding this you should care. Due to the import tariffs on Chinese products his sack will be lighter but don’t blame Santa, the Christmas funds had to get tighter. He’ll still bring some gifts from your long Christmas list but some of those gift had still and aluminum parts so they got 50% hits. Please understand there is a trade war going on and our relationship with China isn’t that strong so just suck it up and feel blessed with what you have gotten. Maybe in another year these Christmas woes are forgotten. Merry Christmas and all that.
Hot Topics in International Trade Section 232 with Senior Associate Attorney Kerry Wang and Bob Brewer
Senior Associate Attorney at Braumiller Law Group Kerry Wang sits down with Bob Brewer to discuss trade including the current administrations use of section 232.
Can BRICS Break the Dollar’s Grip?
For decades, the U.S. dollar has ruled the world. Whether a Brazilian farmer sells soybeans to China or an Indian company buys oil from the Middle East, chances are the transaction runs through greenbacks. Nearly 80 percent of global trade is still denominated in dollars—even when neither the buyer nor the seller is American.