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.

Effective September 25, 2025 Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued updated guidance implementing tariff-related elements of the U.S.–EU Framework Agreement under Executive Order 14346. These changes carry immediate implications for importers of EU-origin goods

As China prepares to celebrate Golden Week from October 1st–8th, 2025, importers and exporters should be aware of the potential impacts this national holiday may have on global trade and logistics.

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to consider the legality of former President Trump’s sweeping tariffs announced earlier this year under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).