Tariff Talk

A 10% reciprocal tariff will go into effect tonight at midnight for any goods entering international transit after that time. As a result, Saturday’s airfreight and cross-border shipments will be the first to feel the impact—or quite literally, wait to feel the impact.

The tools needed to clear customs in compliance with the new tariffs do not exist this quickly, meaning that in many cases, cargo may be stalled while awaiting clearance. Importers should be aware that these changes will take days to fully implement. They are being phased in and will slow the overall process, potentially leading to delays and added storage costs. While the experience of this administration has helped trade respond more quickly, an order of this scale will take time to execute.

With the release of the Executive Order, the wheels of trade begin turning—but processes and systems cannot be updated until official messaging is received from U.S. Customs and the corresponding notices are published in the Federal Register. As of this notice, both are still pending. Software providers and freight companies remain on standby.

Once guidance is issued, software updates will begin, while customs brokers move forward with added caution—ensuring that new sequencing rules are followed and exclusions are properly applied. With the scheduled increase from a 10% tariff to country-specific rates on April 9, software providers will need to execute updates again. Some of those orders may not be finalized if the administration continues to negotiate country rates or revise business sector exclusions. It is critical that this process be done correctly.

Headlines suggest some countries’ rates may be adjusted, and the full implications of China’s announcement of a 34% tariff on all U.S.-origin goods remain to be seen.

Over the coming days, your OCEANAIR brokerage team will be monitoring developments, applying system updates, and working to understand the full impact of these changes on our clients. We are committed to keeping you informed as the reciprocal tariffs take effect—follow us on LinkedIn and check our website for updates.