The U.S. filed its opening brief at the Supreme Court on Sept. 19 in the lead cases on the legality of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Solicitor General D. John Sauer said the reciprocal tariffs and tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico meant to stop the flow of fentanyl are a valid exercise of IEEPA, adding that the tariffs are a proper expression of presidential policymaking in emergency situations.
Several House Republicans changed their votes so that a move to block votes on emergency tariffs could succeed after being promised a Republican tariff working group (see 2509170048).
The Supreme Court set oral argument for the lead cases on the legality of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for Nov. 5 (Donald J. Trump v. V.O.S. Selections, U.S. 25-250) (Learning Resources v. Donald J. Trump, U.S. 24-1287).
The end of the de minimis exemption could favor larger importers that are able to handle the additional data requirements while maintaining fast deliveries to consumers, according to Vince Iacopella, president of trade and government relations for Alba Wheels Up.
The standing up by DOJ of the Trade Fraud Task Force indicates the Trump administration is pouring significantly more resources and attention into prosecuting tariff evasion and customs fraud, and will use the various criminal and civil enforcement tools at their disposal, various attorneys said.
DHL Global Forwarding is hiring over 200 more staff members as part of a broader effort to expand its U.S. customs operations, according to a statement from DHL Global Forwarding CEO Tim Robertson provided to International Trade Today by DHL.
The Mexican government has introduced legislation to reform its customs laws, which would tighten compliance obligations, expand the use of digital tools, and increase liability for customs brokers and importers.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he and President Donald Trump discussed how to "decisively increase the pressure" on Russian President Vladimir Putin "to get him to agree to a peace deal."
CBP created Harmonized System Update 2535 on Sept. 16, containing 21 Automated Broker Interface records and seven Harmonized Tariff Schedule records. HSU 2535 includes the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) Japan updates (see 2509150070).
CBP has released its Sept. 17 Customs Bulletin (Vol. 59, No. 38), which includes the following ruling actions: