Category: Customs

Court Ruling Challenges Trump’s Trade Strategy Amid Global Uncertainty

A U.S. federal court has ruled that President Donald Trump's sweeping "Liberation Day" tariffs are illegal — delivering what may prove to be a major blow to his trade policy agenda, or simply a temporary setback. On May 28, 2025, the United States Court of International Trade determined that... Read more

UK Strikes Trio of Trade Deals in May

The UK government has made major strides in strengthening its international trade relationships this May, concluding three key agreements with India (6 May), the United States (8 May), and the European Union (19 May). These agreements could reshape trade routes and sourcing decisions, reduce c... Read more

Tariffs, Complexity and Opportunity

As the United States recalibrates its tariff landscape, importers (and DDP exporters) are navigating a rapidly shifting environment. With Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods still firmly in place, it has never been more critical to understand which tariffs apply and how to calculate them. In ... Read more

US and India Trade Deals Open Doors for UK Traders

Two landmark trade agreements with the US and India promise to reshape supply chain opportunities for UK importers and exporters. Both deals offer a mix of immediate tariff relief and long-term potential to diversify sourcing and boost exports. The newly signed UK-US agreement has reduced US t... Read more

US-China Tariff Pause Offers Fashion Breathing Space

Fashion brands and retailers around the world have welcomed a temporary easing of tensions between the US and China, but remain wary of the wider uncertainty still gripping global supply chains. A 90-day agreement announced on Monday May 12 will, from May 14, reduce US tariffs on Chinese goods... Read more

Blanked Sailings Amid Geopolitical Shifts

Global sea freight is navigating a complex landscape marked by geopolitical tensions, fluctuating demand, and strategic capacity adjustments and while a temporary US-China tariff truce offers a glimmer of hope, challenges persist across major trade lanes. In response to weakening demand, parti... Read more

The Rising Risks of Customs Valuation and Tariff Compliance

For importers under pressure to manage margins amid rising tariffs, compliance missteps, even unintentional ones, can trigger severe penalties, criminal sanctions, and lasting reputational damage. Recent high-profile cases show that even the most established brands are not immune. At one major... Read more

UK De Minimis Rule Under Review

The UK government has announced plans to review the longstanding de minimis tax exemption for low-value imports, in a move that has been welcomed by major British retailers. The rule currently allows goods valued at £135 or less to enter the UK without incurring customs duties; a system criti... Read more

Unlock Savings and Strengthen Compliance with BKR Consultants

We’re always looking for ways to support our clients and that includes helping you stay on the right side of HMRC, while making the most of your duty spend. That’s why we’re proud to introduce BKR Consultants, a trusted member of our group and a specialist in customs compliance. Based ac... Read more

Tariff turmoil threatens US importers as China trade takes a hit

After weeks of speculation, US President Donald Trump has sharply escalated tariffs on Chinese goods to 125%, while simultaneously offering a 90-day reprieve to other trading partners. The baseline tariff of 10% applies to imports from all countries other than China, including the EU. This rat... Read more

US Tariff Developments and Global Trade Reactions

Further to our recent update on the major changes to US tariffs (link), the global trade landscape remains highly fluid, with the situation evolving rapidly. Last Wednesday, 2nd April, President Donald Trump announced a comprehensive tariff strategy, imposing a universal 10% tariff on all impo... Read more

Major US Tariff Changes

On 2 April , President Trump unveiled sweeping new tariffs that will have global implications for international trade.  These measures mark the most significant restructuring of U.S. tariff policy in decades and they will impact many businesses, irrespective of whether they trade with the Uni... Read more