Importing goods promises savings and growth, but for many small and mid-sized U.S. businesses, hidden costs quietly erode margins. From unexpected duties to costly supply chain delays, these challenges often go unnoticed until profits vanish. These are the hidden costs of importing. From unexpected tariff spikes to documentation errors and [...]
As inflation and tariffs continue to squeeze U.S. businesses, importers are paying significantly more than they did just a year ago. For importers with limited pricing flexibility, the combined effect of these forces is a no-win situation. This blog unpacks how inflation interacts with tariffs to drive up costs—and what [...]
If you import low-value goods into the U.S., the De Minimis rule can significantly simplify your import process. It allows you to bring items under a specified dollar threshold without paying duties or filing complex paperwork. But recent tariff actions and enforcement changes mean it’s more important than ever to know [...]
April 2025 brought a tidal wave of trade policy updates that are shaking up the U.S. import landscape. The Trump administration, under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA), announced new executive orders introducing universal tariffs, country-specific reciprocal tariffs, and critical changes to de minimis rules—all of which have far-reaching [...]
In today’s rapidly evolving global trade landscape, supply chain disruptions have become a growing concern for U.S. businesses. Many companies still rely on a limited number of suppliers, leaving them vulnerable to risks such as geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions, and unforeseen disruptions like natural disasters or economic downturns. The recent [...]
Importing goods into the U.S. offers excellent opportunities for small businesses. Tariffs, duties, and various fees can complicate the process. Knowing how these charges work helps you control costs and comply with U.S. law. This guide explains import tariffs and duties, why they matter, and how to reduce them. We [...]
If you're a small business owner looking to expand by importing goods into the USA, you know that dealing with paperwork can feel overwhelming. We understand the struggle—wrestling with a stack of documents, worrying that one tiny mistake could derail your shipment. This guide breaks down the essential documents you [...]
As we enter 2025, the incoming administration has signaled its intent to reassess trade policies, potentially resulting in broad tariff increases. Importers across all industries may feel the impact, with higher costs affecting supply chains and overall profitability. Now is the time to take proactive steps to prepare and mitigate [...]
HS Codes are the foundation of international trade, providing a standardized method for classifying and identifying imported and exported goods. It is a series of numbers that provides detailed information about a product's type, material, and purpose. The system helps customs officials, shipping companies, and traders maintain communication around the [...]
Small businesses often struggle with trade compliance, which may not be the most exciting part of running a company. U.S. borders see millions of goods travel through them every day, along with all the strict regulations every business must follow. U.S. Customs and Border Protection collected $100 billion in duties, [...]
