A new era in global trade - what do changes in US customs policy mean for exporters from Europe?

Customs duties as an economic policy tool

New tariff proposals emerging in the US public debate include:

1. General import duties covering all non-US goods,
2. Increased tariffs on selected countries:

• China: Chinese goods have been imposed on additional duties, which in total amount to 145% on certain product categories. China responded with retaliatory tariffs of 125% on goods from the USA.
• European Union: An additional duty of 20%. The EU was planning retaliatory tariffs, but their status is not fully clear as of today.
• Canada and Mexico: An additional duty was imposed on goods not meeting the preferential conditions of the USMCA agreement at the rate of 25%. Certain energy products and potash from these countries are subject to a lower additional duty of 10%.
• Japan and South Korea: Additional duties of respectively 24% i 25%.
• Switzerland: The additional duty on goods from Switzerland shall be 31%.
• UK and Australia: For these countries, a general additional duty of 10%, without individually increased rates.

Exceptions: Some duty exemptions have been introduced, for example for certain semiconductors, mobile phones and other electronics. These exemptions are retroactive to 5 April 2025.

Duties on steel and aluminium: Duties on steel and aluminum imports were reinstated and increased to 25% from 12 March 2025, regardless of the country of origin. Duties on cars and car parts also came into effect on 3 April 2025 at a rate of 25%.

3. Increase tariffs on products from selected countries, especially those with a strong trade surplus vis-à-vis the US,
4. Stricter controls on the origin of goods and their components.

Although not all of these changes are yet officially implemented, the market is already reacting with tension and caution. For companies exporting from Poland, this means better planning, keeping an eye on regulations and, most importantly, diversifying markets.

 What does this mean for european exporters?

1. More paperwork and costs - if the new duties come into force, goods from Poland may be subject to additional charges, which will affect their competitiveness.
2. Uncertainty in long-term contracts - Tariff changes can cause delays or renegotiation of orders.
3. The need for flexibility - companies must be prepared to adapt quickly to new conditions, e.g. by shortening supply chains or shifting focus to other markets.

 UK - a stable alternative?

Faced with uncertainty overseas, an increasing number of CEE companies are considering UK as a first or parallel expansion destination.
Why?

• No customs duties under the EU-UK agreement (when rules of origin are met),
• Stable and predictable trade policy,
• High consumer purchasing power and market readiness for European products.

In J. Dauman Logistics we actively support companies in exporting to the UK not only on the customs side, but also on the operational and tax side.

Calm in uncertain times

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how to behave in the changing world of commerce. There are, however, tools to build an edge:

• sound knowledge of regulatory developments,
• experienced partners who will take the paperwork off your shoulders,
• diversification of markets, which gives greater resilience to turbulence.

🔸 Do you export to the USA? Or are you just planning to?
🔸 Want to enter the UK market and need support?

The J. Dauman Logistics team is ready to guide you through the entire process - efficiently, in compliance and with a full understanding of the global context.

👉 Make an appointment for a free chat with our export advisor - together we will find a safe route for your business.