Trump’s America First Trade Policy: What It Means for U.S. Importers in 2026 and Beyond

The America First Trade Policy is a presidential memorandum introduced on January 20th, 2025 that expanded tariff enforcement, tightened import compliance, and increased sourcing risk for importers in 2026. 

What is the America First Trade Policy?

The America First Trade Policy increased tariff exposure and expanded customs compliance requirements for U.S. importers.

The policy emphasized:

• Tariffs and Trade Barriers: Tariffs were placed on imports from key trading partners, particularly China, to combat what was perceived as unfair trade practices.
• National Security Focus: Supply chains were reshaped to reduce reliance on foreign goods, especially in industries deemed critical to U.S. national security.
• USMCA (NAFTA Replacement): The administration renegotiated the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to modernize trade relations and ensure more benefits for American workers and manufacturers.
• Currency Manipulation and Trade Deficits: Policies were introduced to address currency manipulation by foreign governments, aiming to make American exports more competitive.

This approach increased tariff uncertainty, intensified CBP scrutiny, and forced many importers to revise sourcing strategies.

How Did the America First Trade Policy Change U.S. Trade Rules?

The America First Trade Policy shifted the U.S. trade policy from multilateral trade rules to a unilateralist, economic nationalist framework.

The policy prioritized reducing the U.S. trade deficit, protecting domestic industries, and enforcing stricter trade rules on key partners such as China and Mexico.  

In the next sections, we’ll review the most pressing changes for importers and their logistics operations.

Which Importers Face Higher Tariffs Under Section 301?

Section 301 tariffs are additional duties the U.S. imposes on certain imports from countries it determines engage in unfair trade practices.

Common commodities affected by Section 301 tariffs are:

• Aluminum
• Paper and plastics
• Batteries
• Energy goods

Importers can monitor changes in tariff rates with our Import Tariffs Tracker tool.

How Does the Section 321 De Minimis Suspension Affect Importers?

De minimis was a provision of Section 321 to exclude imported goods with a value of less than $800 from duty payments. 

CBP now collects duties and fees on some sub-$800 imports that previously entered under de minimis treatment, increasing costs for parcel-based importers.

How Could the 2026 USMCA Review Change Import Rules?

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is a trilateral free trade agreement between the three nations in North America that includes duty-free trade and non-tariff issues, like labor and digital trade.

The USMCA is due for joint review in July 2026 with the Trump Administration participating in a discussion of possible topics such as:

• Bilateral trade issues pertaining to digital services from Canada and agriculture from Mexico
• Potential revisions to duty-free trade rules among USMCA partners
• Tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)

Importers could face changes in their preferential treatment under USMCA that increase their tax burden when sourcing specific goods from Canada or Mexico.

Which 2026 Policy Changes Matter Most to Importers?

In 2026, the America First Trade Policy affects importers through higher tariff exposure, stricter CBP scrutiny, de minimis restrictions, and greater risk around origin, classification, and duty recovery. 

In the next sections, we’ll look at these operational challenges and how to overcome them to maintain CBP compliance and streamline customs clearance.

How Do 2026 Tariff Changes Raise Import Costs?

Increased tariff and duty exposure on imported goods from countries like China, Japan, and India may increase landed costs, compress margins, and force importers to adjust sourcing decisions.

We’ve created a table to illustrate common import cost reduction strategies:

Unsure which classification your commodity falls under? Use our HTS Lookup Tool to find the tariff code for your goods and correctly calculate your customs fees obligation.

Who Qualifies for an IEEPA Duty Refund?

On February 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a U.S. President cannot impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), invalidating President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs.

Importers who shipped goods subject to IEEPA tariffs, also known as reciprocal tariffs, may be eligible for an IEEPA tariff/duty refund.

CBP created the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) portal to process IEEPA duty refunds. 

To request a refund, CBP requires importers to:

• Importers of Record (IOR) and authorized customs brokers must have an ACE portal account.
• IORs and customs brokers must submit CAPE declarations through the ACE portal. 
• Potential refund recipients must use an ACE portal account linked to ACH so CBP can deposit approved refunds. 

CBP states that IEEPA refunds are generally issued within 60 to 90 days unless they discover compliance issues that require CBP review.

What CBP Compliance Rules Matter Most in 2026?

CBP enforces the America First Trade Policy with tighter import procedure scrutiny, including:

• Expanded Section 232 Reporting Requirements: Section 232 tariffs apply to imported goods deemed to threaten national security. CBP enforces the Trump Administration’s trade policy to increase duties on metal goods like aluminum, steel, and automobile parts.
• Increased Country of Origin Verification: Importers must mark all imported goods with country of origin (COO) where products were grown, produced, or wholly obtained. CBP penalties for altered, removed, or defaced markings are a fine up to $5,000 and/or one year of imprisonment under 19 CFR § 134.4.

Importers navigating customs compliance and clearance should ensure all import paperwork is accurate and complete, as well as pay import fees and obtain customs bonds to avoid CBP audits, cargo holds, and supply chain interruptions.

How Can Importers Maintain CBP Compliance Under the America First Trade Policy?

To remain CBP compliant, importers should classify imported goods with correct HTS code, obtain a customs bond amount that matches import volume, and partner with a licensed customs broker to manage all customs documentation, payments, and clearance processes on their behalf.

Import Security Filing (ISF) is a CBP regulation to document ocean cargo imports. CBP requires importers to submit ISF documentation no later than 24 hours before the shipment arrives at your selected port of entry. 

If you or your team are running into customs challenges like gathering and completing required documentation or assessing tariff exposure, call our team (855) 912-0406 for assistance. Our licensed customs brokers at your service.

Sources:

The President’s 2026 Trade Policy Agenda, United States Trade Representative, 2026

U.S. – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA) Frequently Asked Questions, CBP

CONTINUING THE SUSPENSION OF DUTY-FREE DE MINIMIS TREATMENT FOR ALL COUNTRIES, The White House, 2026

Supreme Court Rules Against Tariffs Imposed Under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), Congress, 2026

USMCA Joint Review: Process and Role of Congress, congress.gov

International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) Duty Refunds, CBP, 2026

19 CFR § 134.4 - Penalties for removal, defacement, or alteration of marking.

Import Security Filing (ISF) - When to submit to CBP