A new round of US tariffs could replace existing trade duties before they expire, according to executives at supply chain management and logistics provider Flexport quoted in a FreightWaves report.
Any new tariffs could potentially maintain pressure on global supply chains, the 18 June report said.
Customs and trade experts outlined a rapidly evolving tariff regime during Flexport’s webinar 'Tariff Trends 2026: Expert Insights on the Evolving U.S. Tariff Landscape' on 16 June.
New US tariffs and policy moves could include proposed Section 301 tariffs tied to forced labour concerns, changes to Section 232 metal duties, uncertainty surrounding the future of US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) negotiations, and continued litigation over tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), FreightWaves wrote.
Marcus Eeman, director of customs at Flexport, said importers should not expect major changes when USMCA reached its scheduled 1 July review milestone.
“The 1 July deal is looking unlikely, but benefits continue,” Eeman said, noting that USMCA preferences would remain in effect even if negotiators failed to reach new agreements.
According to Eeman, the USA was seeking stronger US-specific labour content requirements, particularly in car manufacturing, while Canada and Mexico continued pushing for relief from Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminium and other metals, on the grounds that those duties run counter to the spirit of a free trade agreement.
One of the most significant developments discussed during the webinar involved a proposed Section 301 tariff programme targeting countries considered as having inadequate forced labour enforcement, FreightWaves wrote.
As part of recommendations under review by the Office of the US Trade Representative at the time of the report, 13 countries plus the European Union (EU) would face a 10% tariff, while 46 additional countries would face a 12.5% duty. Most countries that currently maintained trade agreements with the USA would fall into the lower tariff tier.
Comments on the proposal are open until 6 July, with a public hearing scheduled for 7 July.
Flexport said it expected the new Section 301 tariffs to be implemented before Section 122 duties expired on 24 July.
