U.S. Customs Policy Updates as of September 2025 — Tariff Adjustments and Exemption Information

Tariff Exemptions on Chinese Goods

The U.S. is soliciting opinions on whether to extend tariff exemptions on 178 categories of Chinese goods, with a deadline of October 16, 2025. These 178 items include electronic devices, medical equipment, and 14 types of photovoltaic manufacturing equipment. Relevant companies should closely monitor the progress of this matter and submit feedback in a timely manner to strive for favorable policy outcomes.

Tariff Adjustments on Specific Products

Tariffs have been exempted on 39 types of critical industrial materials, such as graphite, tungsten, uranium, gold bars, as well as pharmaceuticals. Meanwhile, tariffs have been increased on 8 categories of goods, including aluminum hydroxide, resins, and silicone products. These adjustments have already taken effect. Companies need to accurately determine whether their products fall within these adjustment ranges to promptly adapt procurement and production plans.

U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement

Effective September 16, 2025, the U.S. will impose a uniform 15% baseline tariff on almost all imported goods from Japan, while tariffs on Japanese automobiles will also be reduced to 15%. For Japanese goods entering the U.S. after August 7, 2025, where excess tariffs have been paid, importers may apply for refunds through correction requests or protest procedures. Additionally, steel and aluminum products remain subject to a 50% "Section 232 tariff."

Legality Review of Tariff Policies

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case on November 5, 2025, regarding whether the "reciprocal tariffs" implemented by former President Trump exceeded authority. If the court rules that the tariffs were implemented beyond authorized power, it may require the refund of collected duties and impact current tariff policies. Relevant companies should closely monitor the case’s developments and assess potential implications.

Other Customs Measures

In the coming weeks, the U.S. Department of Commerce will review requests from domestic industries to impose additional tariffs on auto parts, citing national security and the protection of emerging technologies. Furthermore, effective August 29, 2025, the duty-free treatment for low-value shipments (valued at ≤ $800) imported through non-postal channels has been suspended, and all applicable tariffs must be paid. This policy has led to 88 postal operators worldwide fully or partially suspending parcel delivery services to the U.S. Companies should take note of changes in logistics channels.