On December 15th, the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that importers do not need to immediately file lawsuits to preserve potential refunds of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The court confirmed it retains authority to order reliquidation and refunds, even after entries have liquidated, if the tariffs are later ruled unlawful. While litigation is not required at this time, importers are still advised to file protests at liquidation as a protective measure.

Mexico has introduced a significant shift in its trade policy landscape, approving new tariffs of up to 50% on more than 1,400 categories of Chinese and other Asian imports. These measures, covering industries such as automotive, electronics, steel, plastics, and textiles are scheduled to take effect in early 2026 and represent one of the most consequential tariff actions in the region this year.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a high-priority notification to the trade community reporting that newly escalated protests in Mexico are directly impacting commercial cargo operations across multiple U.S. ports of entry within the El Paso, Texas, region. These demonstrations have created operational obstacles affecting both northbound and southbound freight, with impacts already being felt throughout the border network.

As we close out the year, global trade conditions continue to shift, and Radius International is committed to keeping our clients fully informed and prepared. December brings a combination of evolving tariff policies, heightened holiday demand, and seasonal weather impacts that importers and exporters should be aware of as they plan their logistics strategies.

In a move that could reshape near-term global trade flows, the United States and China have reached a new trade agreement following a bilateral meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. The agreement pauses and partially rolls back several high-profile tariffs, signaling a potential easing of trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

October brought a wave of trade and tariff activity as global markets adjusted to new U.S. measures and early signals of easing tensions with China. Here’s a look at the key developments shaping international logistics this month.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced that it has issued a Section 301 determination against Nicaragua in response to what it calls “unreasonable acts, policies, and practices” that burden or restrict U.S. commerce. According to the USTR’s official report, Nicaragua’s government has engaged in systemic labor rights violations, suppression of fundamental freedoms, and a dismantling of the rule of law. 

The global logistics industry is once again bracing for potential disruption after President Trump announced a proposed 100% tariff on all Chinese-origin imports. The move is being considered in response to China’s new export controls on rare earth minerals, which are critical to sectors such as renewable energy, automotive, and defense. While this proposal remains a threat for now, the administration has signaled a possible implementation date of November 1, 2025.

In a new round of trade measures, President Donald Trump announced that all medium- and heavy-duty trucks imported into the United States will be subject to a 25% tariff under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, effective November 1, 2025. The President made the announcement through a post on Truth Social, emphasizing that the move is aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing and reducing reliance on foreign truck imports.

President Trump’s newly announced tariffs on pharmaceuticals, furniture, and heavy trucks take effect the same day the U.S. government entered a shutdown. While cargo continues to move, importers should prepare for higher costs, clearance delays with FDA/USDA/EPA, and slower processing of refunds or tariff rulings. Radius International is monitoring developments closely and providing guidance to help clients minimize disruption.