Welcome to this month’s issue of The BR International Trade Report, Blank Rome’s monthly digital newsletter highlighting international trade, cross-border investment, and geopolitical risk issues impacting businesses domestically and abroad. We invite you to share this resource with your colleagues and visit Blank Rome’s International Trade webpage for more information about our team.
Recent Developments
Tariff developments.
- U.S.-China trade truce extended an additional 90 days. On August 11, President Trump signed an executive order (“EO”) extending the tariff pause between the two countries, initially declared in May, until November 9. The pause provides more time for the world’s two largest economies to reach a trade deal, avoiding reimposition of currently suspended tariffs of 145 percent by the United States and 125 percent by China.
- Updated reciprocal tariffs take effect. On August 7, the United States imposed new, country-specific tariffs on products imported into the United States from 74 trading partners. In many instances, the new rates are lower than those announced on the April 2 “Liberation Day,” although in some cases the rates are higher. EO 14326, which authorized the updated tariff rates, also implemented an additional 40 percent duty rate on articles deemed to be transshipped through a third country in an effort to disincentivize tariff circumvention. For additional information, please see Blank Rome’s August 6, client alert.
- Tariff exemption for low-value (de minimis) imports to end on August 29. On July 30, President Trump signed EO 14324, suspending duty-free treatment for de minimis imports (i.e., shipments valued at $800 or less). Beginning August 29, transportation carriers must collect and remit duties to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) by either (i) calculating the applicable duty for each package based on the country-specific tariff rate or (ii) through February 2026, imposing a pre-determined flat rate of $80, $160, or $200 per item.
- President Trump announces 50 percent tariff on imports of copper. On July 30, President Trump signed Proclamation 10962, imposing a 50 percent tariff on semi-finished and intensive copper derivative products, such as copper wire, imported into the United States. The proclamation follows the Section 232 investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”). The additional 50 percent duties apply only to the value of copper content in the relevant products. Notably, refined copper metal is outside the scope of the tariffs, a contrast from the duties on steel and aluminum, where the tariffs applied to all steel and aluminum articles and derivatives.
- Imports from Brazil and India subject to additional tariffs.
- Citing Brazil’s prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro, in addition to online censorship, President Trump announced 50 percent tariffs on imports of Brazilian goods. Many goods, such as aircraft, steel, and petroleum products, will be exempt from the additional tariffs pursuant to Annex I of the EO.
- India, following the breakdown of negotiations between Washington and New Delhi, will be hit not only with 25 percent “reciprocal” tariffs, but an additional 25 percent due to its imports of Russian oil, bringing its total rate to 50 percent.
- Japan tariffs will not be “stacked” on top of existing rates. After agreeing to a trade deal framework that included a 15 percent tariff rate on Japanese goods, there was an initial lack of clarity around whether the 15 percent tariffs would be in addition to existing most favored nation rates. According to the Japanese government, the two sides have verbally agreed to clarify this point, with the understanding that the 15 percent tariff would not be added to existing duties. Foreign Affairs Minister Iwaya stated at an August 8, 2025, press conference that the United States has agreed to issue appropriate revisions to implement this understanding, as well as to reduce the Section 232s automobile tariffs from 25 percent to 15 percent.
Trump Administration reportedly authorizes certain chip exports to China in exchange for revenue sharing. According to reports, BIS reportedly is issuing licenses to NVIDIA Corporation and Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. authorizing export to China of the respective companies’ H20 and MI308 chips, and as part of this arrangement, the companies will share 15 percent of the revenue generated from such sales with the U.S. government. This development follows restrictions on the export of such chips that U.S. authorities imposed in April 2025.
Trump Administration continues its focus on semiconductor imports and exports.
- In early August, President Trump previewed that the United States plans to “put[] a tariff of approximately 100 percent on chips and semiconductors,” potentially in pursuant to BIS’s Section 232 investigation into semiconductors.
- The tariff announcement comes as the administration seeks to reinforce control of exports of advanced chips to China. As part of this effort, Science Advisor to the President Michael Kratsios explained that the United States has been exploring how to better track the chips, including by adding software or making physical changes to the chips. Along these lines, a report indicates that U.S. authorities have been adding location trackers in shipments of advanced chips to prevent unlawful diversion.
Trump Administration may set price support for critical minerals. In a bid to strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce dependence on China, the administration is considering expanding Pentagon-backed price supports for U.S. rare earths projects. The move comes as U.S. defense companies report supply shortages, amidst China tightening export restrictions on rare earth minerals bound for Western defense customers.
Beijing announces artificial intelligence (“AI”) action plan. In late July, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released its Global AI Governance Action Plan, highlighting global governance through the United Nations and expansion to the Global South. China’s plan is in contrast to the Trump Administration’s recently issued AI Action Plan, which focuses on cooperation with U.S. allies and partners and countering Chinese influence.
Egypt and Israel agree to gas deal. Expanding on a 2018 agreement, Egypt and Israel have agreed to a new $35 billion deal, the largest export deal in Israel’s history. The deal, which will require additional infrastructure such as pipelines between the two countries, is intended to resolve Egypt’s rolling blackouts and reliance on expensive liquified natural gas (“LNG”) imports.
For continuous, up-to-date information on the evolving administrative landscape, check out Blank Rome’s Trump Administration Resource Hub. Explore previous BR International Trade Reports here.
In Case You Missed It
Blank Rome Assembles Cross-Practice Trade Enforcement Team Amid Increasing Government Investigations
Blank Rome announced the launch of a new Trade Enforcement Team, drawing upon the strengths of its leading International Trade, White Collar Defense & Investigations, Maritime, False Claims Act, and Government Contracts practices. This strategic initiative is designed to support clients in addressing the growing complexity and frequency of government investigations related to trade controls, sanctions, financial crimes, maritime regulations, and false claims.
New U.S. Tariff Rates Set to Take Effect on August 7, as Negotiations Continue
Blank Rome partners Joanne E. Osendarp, Anthony Rapa, of counsel Timothy J. Hruby, senior counsel Alan G. Kashdan, and associates Rachel D. Evans and Layla S. Najjar authored this alert discussing the new United States tariff rates with its trading partners which went into effect on August 7.
The Frontline is Everywhere: What General Counsel Need to Know About the Department of Justice’s Strategic Pivot Toward Customs Fraud and Tariff Evasion
Blank Rome partners Anthony Rapa, Bradley L. Henry, and Jennifer A. Short authored this alert discussing the Department of Justice’s recently announced “Market-, Government-, and Consumer-Fraud Unit” which will focus on customs fraud and tariff evasion.
Innovation Over Regulation—Trump Unveils America’s AI Action Plan
Blank Rome partners Sharon R. Klein, Anthony Rapa, Alex C. Nisenbaum, and associate Karen H. Shin authored this alert discussing the Trump Administration’s recently released America’s AI Action Plan, which sets forth a broad policy agenda aimed at fostering innovation, revitalizing critical industries, as well as safeguarding national security interests within the evolving artificial intelligence landscape.
What is a 'Golden Share' — the American Government's Ownership Stake in U.S. Steel?
Blank Rome partner Anthony Rapa was featured in this Financial Post article discussing the potential effects of the United States’ “golden share” of the Pittsburgh-based United States Steel Corp., as part of its recent takeover by Japan’s Nippon Steel Corp.
Oil Gains on U.S.-EU Trade Deal, Russia Sanction Threats
Blank Rome partner Anthony Rapa was featured in this Wall Street Journal article discussing President Trump’s proposed deadline with Russia to reach a cease-fire with Ukraine, and how oil markets could react to new sanctions should they take effect.
Upcoming Events
Available Now on Demand - 180 Days of the Trump Administration—Quick Hits on Executive Orders, Actions, and Policies
Blank Rome partners Anthony Rapa and Bradley L. Henry, and of counsel Timothy J. Hruby served as moderators for a session titled “Trade Changes and Enforcement Updates” as part of the Blank Rome hosted 180 Days of the Trump Administration online webinar. The firm’s on-demand webinar series will be available for viewing until September 12, 2025.
To learn more about other Recent Developments or Upcoming Events, click here. To read more about Blank Rome's International Trade practice, please visit our website.
© 2025 Blank Rome LLP. All rights reserved. Please contact Blank Rome for permission to reprint. Notice: The purpose of this update is to identify select developments that may be of interest to readers. The information contained herein is abridged and summarized from various sources, the accuracy and completeness of which cannot be assured. This update should not be construed as legal advice or opinion, and is not a substitute for the advice of counsel.
