Chief’s Response to Tariffs
With the situation constantly changing, our mission is to provide you with up-to-date details and to proactively work with our customers and vendors, our partners, on how to mitigate the tariffs as they may pertain to you. As global trade policies continue to change, we are committed to keeping you informed and supported.
Broad tariffs remain at 10% on all imports (excluding items already covered under Section 232), for all countries except China U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent stated that the 10% tariff on imports will remain in place for most countries as trade negotiations continue.
Pursuant to the 90-day suspension articulated in the Presidential Executive Order, the 10% reciprocal tariff will replace the 125% reciprocal tariff for products of China, including those from Hong Kong and Macau. This applies to any product entered for sale or withdrawn from a warehouse for sale on or after May 14, 2025, at 12:01 AM ET. The reduced rate is effective for a 90-day period.
- Based on 4 variations of tariffs on China, the total amount currently is 55%. This includes 10% baseline, 20% Fentanyl-related tariff, and 25% Section 301 tariffs.
We understand the impact these changes may have, and we’re here to help. With a strong presence in the U.S., Mexico, and Germany, we are well positioned to work with you to find strategic solutions. If you identify areas where we can support you in reducing tariff exposure, please let us know.
There are many scenarios and most are specific to our customers or products. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Account Manager or Customer Service Representative with any questions or concerns—especially if you’d like us to address your concerns individually.
We will keep you informed of any developments and share updates on Chief’s response to any additional tariffs promptly. Thank you for your understanding as we navigate these changes together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are tariff charges calculated?
Tariffs are assessed based on U.S. Customs regulations and applied as a percentage of the product’s declared value. These percentages are determined by the country of origin and the HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) codes assigned to each item.
Will I see tariffs on my invoice?
Yes. If applicable, tariff charges are itemized on quotes and invoices under a separate line item labeled as “Tariff” or “Tariff Surcharge” for transparency. These reflect the actual import duty incurred on your order.
Are your custom or value-added assemblies affected by tariffs?
Yes, if they include components sourced from countries subject to tariffs. We track component origins closely and will communicate any tariff impact during quoting or order confirmation.
Do you adjust tariffs retroactively if policies change?
Tariff costs are based on the import date and prevailing U.S. Customs regulations. If a tariff rate changes after a shipment clears customs, we cannot retroactively adjust charges, but we will update pricing for future orders accordingly.
What products are impacted by the new tariffs?
As part of evolving U.S. trade policy, a series of new tariffs and amendments have recently been enacted that impact imports across a broad range of goods. Below is a summary of the key updates that may affect sourcing, pricing, and availability of components distributed or manufactured by Chief Enterprises.
Tariff Type | Applicable Countries | Rate | Effective Date | Notes |
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General Tariff | All countries (except China) | 10% | April 5, 2025 | Confirmed as ongoing by U.S. Treasury |
Temporary China Tariff (90-day) | China (incl. Hong Kong, Macau) | 10% | May 14, 2025 | Replaces prior 125% tariff for 90 days per Executive Order |
IEEPA Fentanyl-Related Tariff | China | 20% | February 2025 | Still in effect; targets fentanyl-related and precursor goods |
Section 301 Tariffs | China | ~25% | Since 2018 | Still applies by product category; cumulative with other tariffs |
How does USMCA affect tariffs?
Under the USMCA, most qualifying goods traded between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada are exempt from tariffs, provided they meet the agreement’s rules of origin. This includes many automotive components and subassemblies if they meet content thresholds.
Tariff Resources
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HTS Codes
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USTR Statement on Section 301 Tariffs (2018)
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NYT: Trump Suspends Tariffs on Mexico (March 2025)
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Fact Sheet: Trump Imposes Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China (Feb 2025)
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Executive Order: Addressing Certain Tariffs on Imported Articles (April 2025)
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Executive Order: Modifying Reciprocal Tariffs for Retaliation Alignment (April 2025)
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Executive Order: Reciprocal Tariffs to Address Trade Deficits (April 2025)
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Executive Order: Amendment on Low-Value Imports from China (April 2025)
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Executive Order: Modifying Reciprocal Tariffs After Talks with China (May 2025)