TradeLane

On June 16, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order to implement the U.S.–U.K. Economic Prosperity Deal. The purpose of this landmark agreement is to expand trade, enhance supply chain security, and address national security concerns. It marks a significant step forward in strengthening economic ties between the United States and the United Kingdom.

At Tradewin, we are closely monitoring the implementation of this agreement to help our clients understand the implications and prepare for the changes ahead.

Since the end of the Biden Administration, the direction of the Trump Administration’s Department of Commerce and Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has been slowly materializing, giving us a glimpse of what U.S. export controls will look like for the next four years.

In March 2025, the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on certain goods from Canada and Mexico under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), targeting efforts to disrupt the supply chain for fentanyl and related precursors. For importers, these duties are not just a regulatory development; they are a direct financial hit. Businesses already facing traditional customs duties now need to absorb another layer of cost that could significantly affect pricing, planning, and profitability.

But there is a potential solution: the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

In a significant development for the automotive industry, the U.S. government announced on April 29^th a relief mechanism for automakers facing 25% Section 232 tariffs on non-USMCA qualifying imported parts that became effective May 3rd. This policy supports manufacturers who assemble vehicles in the United States and offers hope in these difficult times while promoting transparency and future production commitments.

A bonded warehouse, renowned for its secure storage, allows for the deferment of customs duty payment until the goods reach their destination. Large distributors often seek this secure environment as their distribution center. While the usage principles may be similar, each country’s unique management regulations and incentives create comparative advantages to be considered in the decision-making process.

This helps to avoid potential unintended consequences regarding FTA eligibility, providing a sense of reassurance to the business owners, logistics managers, and import/export professionals.