US reciprocal tariffs (April 2025): what shippers needed to know

A client briefing we issued when the US announced its reciprocal tariff policy in April 2025. The figures below are as announced; rates and scope have since been adjusted repeatedly through country-by-country negotiations, so always confirm the current rate before shipping to the US.

The core: from cargo shipped on or after 5 April 2025, a baseline 10% tariff on all imports; from 9 April 2025, additional country-specific tariffs on economies with large trade surpluses against the US. The effective date was based on the date of loading at origin (ETD).

Exemptions: goods already under Section 232 tariffs (steel, aluminium, autos), copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and lumber, bullion, and certain energy and minerals not produced in the US. Canada and Mexico were handled under USMCA rules (0% if compliant, up to 25% otherwise).

KALTSTART reviews the applicable rate by HS code and the impact of your loading schedule for US-bound cargo. Email skils@skils.co.kr and we will get back to you quickly.