President Trump announced on January 26, 2026, that the United States will reinstate 25% tariffs on select imports from South Korea, reversing the previously reduced 15% rate that had been applied under a provisional trade agreement framework.

U.S. importers are facing an important compliance deadline in early 2026, just as global supply chains experience one of their most impactful annual slowdowns. Beginning February 6, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will transition to issuing all customs refunds electronically via Automated Clearing House (ACH), eliminating paper checks except in very limited circumstances.

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.