1. Home
  2. member alerts

Member Alerts

PRESIDENT TRUMP SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER EXEMPTING BRAZILIAN BEEF FROM 40% TARIFF

President Trump has signed an Executive Order modifying tariff measures on products from Brazil, providing an exemption for beef. As a result, the 40% tariff is no longer applicable to Brazilian beef imports, and this change is retroactive to November 13, 2025 at 12:01 AM EST.
 
The link to the White House Executive Order is here.
 
The link to the updated Annex I and II is available here. 
 

AUSTRALIAN BEEF IMPORTS TO THE US REMAIN TARIFF-FREE UNDER AUSFTA

Beef imported from Australia continues to enter the United States tariff-free under the Australia–United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA).

Key Points for Importers and Brokers
  • Australian beef can enter the United States through entitlements negotiated under the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework, and the Australia–United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSTFA).
  • To ensure duty-free entry under AUSFTA, U.S. customs brokers must use the correct HS code under Chapter 98.
  • The AUSFTA-specific code is HS Code: 9822.04.01
Action Required
Reports we have received from brokers confirm that using the correct FTA code resolves clearance issues.
Additional Resources
 
For background on AUSFTA and U.S. beef quota arrangements, please refer to:
Please note: We cannot provide further details on codes or clearance processes beyond these official resources.
Summary
  • Beef imported to the USA from Australia remains tariff-free.
  • Use HS code 9822.04.01 for duty-free entry.
  • Refer to CBP and Australian Government sites for complete guidance.

CBP GUIDANCE FOR RECIPROCAL TARIFFS

Importers -- please note that Customs and Border Patrol has issued guidance regarding effective dates of reciprocal tariffs and container transloading.

You can view the guidance by clicking on the button below. We specifically draw your attention to Scenario B of the second question under IEEPA Reciprocal:

How are feeder vessel scenarios impacted by the in-transit guidance for reciprocal entries?

ANSWER – SCENARIO B: Prior to the cutoff date for the reciprocal tariff in-transit provision, U.S. bound cargo is loaded onto a vessel destined for a foreign port prior to shipment to the U.S. At this foreign port, after the cutoff date, the U.S. bound cargo is transferred onto a different vessel that is destined for the U.S. This new vessel then arrives at a U.S. port of entry to unload the U.S. bound cargo and make entry.

The cargo in this scenario does not qualify for the in-transit exception for reciprocal tariffs because the U.S. bound cargo was laden onto a vessel destined for the U.S. after the cutoff date irrespective of when it departed from the original port of lading; it was thus not loaded onto a vessel that was the final mode of transit prior to the cutoff date for the reciprocal tariff in-transit exception.

CBP's  International Emergency Powers Act FAQ

NEW ENFORCEMENT OF WEIGHT LIMITS ON CONTAINERS AT LA & LONG BEACH PORTS

Meat importers shipping refrigerated (reefer) containers through the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports should note that Customs has recently strengthened enforcement of weight restrictions. Containers flagged for enforcement or tactical holds must meet strict weight limits, or Customs may delay shipments, assess additional fees, or deny entry.

For questions or support, please contact MICA Consultants Len Lang (len.lang@yahoo.com) or Lauren Beagen (LBeagen@SquallStrategies.com).

Read the full Alert

CBP also issued a trade information notice about the Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport regarding trade compliance and agriculture transfers for warehouse exams. We are sharing this alert for informational purposes and will continue working to determine its impact on the meat import industry as that becomes more apparent. 

CBP Trade Information Notice - Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport