Chief’s Response to Tariff Developments
Chief Enterprises remains committed to keeping our customers informed as U.S. tariff regulations and federal guidance continue to evolve. We are actively monitoring developments and working closely with our partners, importers, customs brokers, and legal advisors to understand how these changes may affect our operations and our customers.
Following recent legal and regulatory developments regarding tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), several important changes have occurred:
- IEEPA Tariffs Suspended: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has suspended the collection of IEEPA duties in accordance with recent court rulings.
- Refund Process Underway: CBP has implemented a refund process for eligible IEEPA tariff entries. Refund eligibility and processing continue to evolve as CBP issues additional guidance.
- Other Tariff Programs Remain in Effect: Tariffs imposed under Section 122, Section 232 (including certain steel, aluminum, copper, automotive, and derivative products), and Section 301 continue to apply where applicable.
- Ongoing Legal and Administrative Review: The legal and administrative landscape surrounding IEEPA tariffs continues to develop, and additional court decisions or government guidance could affect refund processing and implementation timelines.
Chief is prioritizing refund filings based on CBP guidance and applicable entry liquidation dates. Because CBP is processing refunds in phases, not every entry containing IEEPA duties may be eligible for immediate review or reimbursement. We appreciate our customers’ patience as this process continues.
At this time, Chief is unable to provide comprehensive customer entry reports or estimated refund calculations. Duty billing and payment records reside outside of our entry management system, and any preliminary reporting could be incomplete or inaccurate with respect to refund eligibility or reimbursement responsibility.
While CBP has indicated that eligible refunds may be processed after claims are accepted, actual processing times remain subject to government review, system capacity, and any additional legal or regulatory developments. Once CBP provides final operational guidance and refund activity is substantially complete, Chief Enterprises will conduct a comprehensive review of applicable tariff reimbursements and customer account adjustments.
We will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available and appreciate your continued partnership, understanding, and patience as we navigate these evolving trade regulations together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are tariff charges calculated?
Tariffs are assessed based on U.S. Customs regulations and applied as a percentage of the product’s declared value. These percentages are determined by the country of origin and the HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) codes assigned to each item.
Will I see tariffs on my invoice?
Yes. If applicable, tariff charges are itemized on quotes and invoices under a separate line item labeled as “Tariff” or “Tariff Surcharge” for transparency. These reflect the actual import duty incurred on your order.
Are your custom or value-added assemblies affected by tariffs?
Yes, if they include components sourced from countries subject to tariffs. We track component origins closely and will communicate any tariff impact during quoting or order confirmation.
Do you adjust tariffs retroactively if policies change?
Tariff costs are based on the import date and prevailing U.S. Customs regulations. If a tariff rate changes after a shipment clears customs, we cannot retroactively adjust charges, but we will update pricing for future orders accordingly.
What products are impacted by the new tariffs?
As part of evolving U.S. trade policy, a series of new tariffs and amendments have recently been enacted that impact imports across a broad range of goods. Below is a summary of the key updates that may affect sourcing, pricing, and availability of components distributed or manufactured by Chief Enterprises.
| Tariff Program | Applicable Countries | Current Status | Products Affected | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section 122 | Broad application to many imported products | Active | Various imported goods | Remains in effect. Product coverage and applicable duties are subject to federal guidance and CBP implementation. |
| Section 232 | Global (country-specific exemptions may apply) | Active | Steel, aluminum, copper, automotive products, and certain derivative products | National security tariffs remain in effect. Product coverage has expanded and may continue to change. |
| Section 301 | China (including Hong Kong) | Active | Covered China-origin products | Tariffs remain in effect on covered products. Additional modifications may occur as USTR reviews continue. |
| IEEPA Tariffs | Previously applied to certain imported goods | Suspended | Eligible entries under CBP guidance | Collection has been suspended. CBP continues processing eligible refund claims as additional guidance is issued. |
How does USMCA affect tariffs?
Under the USMCA, most qualifying goods traded between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada are exempt from tariffs, provided they meet the agreement’s rules of origin. This includes many automotive components and subassemblies if they meet content thresholds.
Are tariff rates still changing?
Yes. U.S. trade policy continues to evolve, and tariff rates, product coverage, and reporting requirements may change as new federal guidance is issued. We continually monitor these developments and update customers when changes affect our products or pricing.
Tariff Resources
-
HTS Codes
-
USTR Statement on Section 301 Tariffs (2018)
-
NYT: Trump Suspends Tariffs on Mexico (March 2025)
-
Fact Sheet: Trump Imposes Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China (Feb 2025)
-
Executive Order: Addressing Certain Tariffs on Imported Articles (April 2025)
-
Executive Order: Modifying Reciprocal Tariffs for Retaliation Alignment (April 2025)
-
Executive Order: Reciprocal Tariffs to Address Trade Deficits (April 2025)
-
Executive Order: Amendment on Low-Value Imports from China (April 2025)
-
Executive Order: Modifying Reciprocal Tariffs After Talks with China (May 2025)
-
Executive Order: Extending The Modification of The Reciprocal Tariff Rates (July 2025)
-
Executive Order: Further Modifying the Reciprocal Tariff Rates (July 2025)
-
Executive Order: Further Modifying the Reciprocal Tariff Rates to Reflect Ongoing Discussions with The People's Republic of China (August 2025)
-
Executive Order: Modifying the Scope of Reciprocal Tariffs (September 2025)
-
Executive Order: Modifying Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People's Republic of China (November 2025)
-
Executive Order: Modifying Reciprocal Tariff Rates Between The United States and The People's Republic of China (November 2025)
-
U.S. Supreme Court Decision: Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump — IEEPA Tariff Authority (February 20, 2026)
-
Presidential Action: Terminating Tariffs Imposed Under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (February 2026)
-
Presidential Proclamation: Temporary Import Surcharge Under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 (February 2026)
-
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Guidance on Removal of IEEPA Tariffs and Implementation of Section 122 Tariffs (February 2026)
-
Presidential Action: Ending Certain Tariff Actions (February 2026)
-
International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) Duty Refunds (May 2026)
-
Presidential Action: Adjusting the Tariff for Imports of Aluminum, Steel, and Copper (June 2026)