Update as of Wednesday, April 9, 2 p.m. ET:
On Wednesday, April 9, President Trump announced a 90 day pause on the higher reciprocal tariffs that took effect today on nearly 60 countries, with the exception of China. He has immediately increased the tariffs on China to 125%, due to Beijing’s continued retaliation. As of this time, it appears that countries who would have seen an increase in tariffs today will only have the baseline 10% tariffs in place during this time.
“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125%, effective immediately,” Trump said. “At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realize that the days of ripping off the U.S.A., and other Countries, is no longer sustainable or acceptable. Conversely, and based on the fact that more than 75 Countries have called Representatives of the United States, including the Departments of Commerce, Treasury, and the USTR, to negotiate a solution to the subjects being discussed relative to Trade, Trade Barriers, Tariffs, Currency Manipulation, and Non Monetary Tariffs, and that these Countries have not, at my strong suggestion, retaliated in any way, shape, or form against the United States, I have authorized a 90 day PAUSE, and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10%, also effective immediately. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
As of Tuesday, April 8:
As a result of China’s 34% retaliatory tariff on U.S. goods in response to reciprocal tariffs, the White House announced it would add an additional 50% tariff (total reciprocal tariff now 84%) on U.S. imports from China, effective at midnight on Wednesday, April 9.
The executive order also increases the duty imposed on low value shipments from 30 percent to 90 percent and increased the per postal item duty that is in effect on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on May 2, and before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 1, from 25 dollars to 75 dollars. The per postal item goods duty in effect on June 1 will increase from 50 dollars to 150 dollars.
Of note:
- Some goods will not be subject to the Reciprocal Tariff. These include: (1) articles subject to 50 USC 1702(b); (2) steel/aluminum articles and autos/auto parts already subject to Section 232 tariffs; (3) copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and lumber articles; (4) all articles that may become subject to future Section 232 tariffs; (5) bullion; and (6) energy and other certain minerals that are not available in the United States.
- For Canada and Mexico, the existing fentanyl/migration IEEPA orders remain in effect, and are unaffected by this order. This means USMCA compliant goods will continue to see a 0% tariff, non-USMCA compliant goods will see a 25% tariff, and non-USMCA compliant energy and potash will see a 10% tariff. In the event the existing fentanyl/migration IEEPA orders are terminated, USMCA compliant goods would continue to receive preferential treatment, while non-USMCA compliant goods would be subject to a 12% reciprocal tariff.
The White House’s full fact sheet is available here.
The RV Industry Association will continue to update this piece as more details of the plan become available. Please contact Samantha Rocci, director of federal affairs (srocci@rvia.org), with questions.
