Taxes, Tariffs & Trade

Updated January 22, 2026

NAFEM informs and represents its members on the complex issues of U.S. taxes, tariffs, and trade, advocating for open and fair policies and rules that maximize market opportunities and cost-effective supply chain sourcing. 

Tariff resources 

While NAFEM regularly updates this resource page, we recommend regular communication with your customs broker for up-to-the-minute tariff information relative to your business and its products.

Understanding New U.S. Tariff Landscape

IEEPA ruling pending 

Should the Supreme Court rule that the IEEPA tariffs are illegal, it is uncertain if refunds will be provided and what the process might entail. Detailed information is on Barnes &Thornburg’s website. 

Section 301 tariffs upheld by Federal Circuit Court 

In a unanimous opinion, the three-judge panel of the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that the first Trump administration was within its rights to expand the initial Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods from $50 billion to $300 billion. The case was appealed to the SCOTUS, which elected not to hear the case. 

Canada’s Response

• The Government of Canada maintains a list of U.S. products subject to counter tariffs.

China Trade and Economic Deal

• White House Fact Sheet

U.S. – EU Trade Agreement

• EU announcement re: the U.S.-EU Framework Deal
• Key provisions of the Agreement are provided by the Coalition of American Metal Manufacturers and Users (CAMMU).

The U.S. – U.K. Economic Prosperity Deal

• The May 8, 2025 Agreement addresses steel and aluminum tariffs and numerous other trade-related topics.

Additional U.S. Investigations

• The U.S. Secretary of Commerce initiated a Section 232 investigation under the Trade Expansion Act to assess whether imports of robotics and industrial machinery, and parts/components, pose a risk to national security. The scope of the investigation includes CNC machining centers, turning and milling machines, grinding and deburring equipment, and industrial stamping and pressing machines. It also includes automatic tool changers, jigs and fixtures, and machine tools for cutting, welding and handling work pieces. Application-specific specialty metalworking equipment used to treat, form or cut metal, such as autoclaves and industrial ovens, metal finishing and treatment equipment, EDM machinery, and laser and water-cutting tools and machinery also is included. Comments were due Oct. 17, 2025.  
• Following a Section 301 investigation of China’s targeting dominance in the maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors, the U.S. Trade Representative proposed significant service fees on China-bult vessels upon entrance to U.S. ports. Following negotiations with China, these fees were suspended for one year until Nov. 10, 2026. NAFEM, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and 100+ others advocated against the proposal that would increase shipping costs, raise prices and decrease exports and imports.  
• The administration also launched a Section 232 investigation into Brazil’s trade policies. Comments were due August 18, 2025 and the U.S. Trade Representative held a hearing Sept. 3, 2025.

Global Market Access and Conformity Guide

NAFEM’s regularly updated resource to assist in the identification of international certifications, the Global Market Access and Conformity Guide provides certification contact information for fuel type, region and other data points to reduce research time. While this tool is updated periodically, we encourage companies to take all steps necessary to confirm and verify information for your specific products and market needs.

Additional Resources

• White House Website
• U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC)
• Office of the U.S. Trade Representative

Questions?

Contact advocacy@nafem.org