Latest News in U.S. Trade: September 2025

1. U.S. Pressuring Nations to Reject UN Maritime Emissions Pact

The U.S., under the Trump administration, has urged countries to reject a United Nations–backed maritime emissions-cutting deal drafted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). It threatened punitive measures—like tariffs, visa restrictions, and port levies—for nations that support the pact. The proposal sought to impose fees on ships exceeding global carbon emission standards, but the U.S. argues it burdens shipping with little environmental benefit. The upcoming IMO session in October will be critical for the proposal’s fate.

2. End of “De Minimis” Duty-Free Threshold Disrupts E-Commerce and Small Imports

As of August 30, 2025, the longstanding “de minimis” exemption allowing imports under $800 to bypass duties has been eliminated. Now those shipments are subject to tariffs ranging from 10% to 50%, depending on origin. The change has sparked canceled orders, shipping delays, and confusion among consumers, small businesses, and overseas vendors. E-commerce platforms are scrambling to guide sellers, while small merchants—especially those abroad—are hit hardest.  Alternatively, some U.S. retailers view this shift positively, seeing it as leveling the playing field and boosting domestic sourcing.

3. Tariffs Drove a Surge and Now a Predicted Fall in Import Volumes

Despite an initial surge in imports during the first half of 2025—prompted by businesses rushing to stock up before tariffs took effect—a slowdown is forecasted. The National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates project a 5.6% drop in cargo volumes in the second half of 2025. Accelerated early imports have left inventories bloated, and experts warn this could result in fewer shipments, store shortages, and rising consumer prices.

4. Revised Port Fees on Chinese-Built Ships Move Forward

Originally proposing port fees of up to $1.5 million per call on Chinese-built vessels, the U.S. has scaled back the proposal after backlash. The revised fees—beginning mid-October—will be based on net tonnage or container counts, with some exemptions (e.g., U.S. domestic, Caribbean routes, empty exports). Ships making U.S.-built vessel purchases can receive waivers. This move aims to strengthen domestic shipbuilding but raises concerns about trade costs and global shipping disruptions.

5. U.S.–India Trade Crisis Escalates Amidst Tariff Escalations

A growing trade and diplomatic crisis between the U.S. and India has intensified following U.S. tariffs doubling to 50% on Indian exports—including be a combination of reciprocal duties and penalties for energy policy ties. India condemned the tariffs as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” and the standoff has sparked fears over jeopardized defense cooperation and broader strategic alignment.

6. Appeals Court Rules Trump’s ‘Reciprocal’ Tariffs Illegal—But They Remain in Force for Now

A federal appeals court has declared most of Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs unlawful, finding he exceeded his authority under emergency law. However, those tariffs remain in effect throughout the appeals process (at least until October 14, 2025). The ruling introduces legal uncertainty but hasn’t yet shifted markets or trade flows significantly.