New US Tariffs Could Replace Expiring Trade Duties by Late July

A new round of US tariffs could arrive before existing duties expire, potentially keeping pressure on global supply chains despite ongoing court challenges, FreightWaves reported (6-18-26).

During a Flexport trade seminar titled “Tariff Trends 2026: Expert Insights on the Evolving US Tariff Landscape,” customs and trade experts discussed proposed Section 301 tariffs tied to forced labor concerns, changes to Section 232 metal duties, uncertainty over the future of USMCA negotiations, and continued litigation over tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

Marcus Eeman, director of customs at Flexport, said importers should not expect major changes when the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement reaches its scheduled July 1 review milestone.

One of the most significant developments discussed during the webinar was a proposed Section 301 tariff program targeting countries deemed to have inadequate forced labor enforcement. Under recommendations currently under review by the Office of the US Trade Representative, 13 countries plus the EU would face a 10% tariff, while 46 additional countries would face a 12.5% duty. Most countries that currently maintain trade agreements with the US would fall into the lower tariff tier.

Flexport said the proposed tariff structure would exempt many products already excluded under prior IEEPA tariff programs, including unavailable natural resources, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, civil aircraft products, and goods already subject to Section 232 tariffs. USMCA- and DR-CAFTA-qualified products would also be exempt.