UPDATE COMING: New tariff rates will likely take effect August 1, 2025 at 12:01 AM ET. We’ll update this article as new enforcement rules are confirmed.
LATEST UPDATE: JULY 30, 2025
Following recent talks in Stockholm (July 28–29, 2025), U.S. and Chinese negotiators have agreed in principle to extend the current trade truce, which was set to expire on August 12, despite not resolving broader trade issues. However, the extension still requires formal approval from President Trump.
The U.S. has extended its tariff suspension, but new country-specific tariffs are expected to begin August 1 at 12:01 AM ET. President Trump has stated this is a firm deadline, with no further extensions planned.
Here’s what’s changed since early July:
A new round of country-specific “reciprocal tariffs” is scheduled to take effect August 1. These tariffs are intended to match what those countries charge the U.S. - but details remain unclear.
Countries targeted include several major travel goods producers:
These rates have not been published in the Federal Register, nor confirmed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
On July 2, President Trump announced a trade agreement with Vietnam that would apply:
A 20% tariff on all Vietnamese exports to the U.S.
A 40% tariff on goods considered “transshipped” through Vietnam
However, as of July 8, there are no official documents, definitions, or enforcement rules.
What’s unclear:
What “transshipping” means under this new rule
Whether these new tariffs replace or stack on top of existing tariffs
Whether new rules of origin will apply (e.g., requiring 55% value-add in Vietnam or limiting Chinese inputs)
The U.S. has reportedly sent identical tariff letters to at least 14 countries, with more expected soon.
These letters include vague language about “transshipped goods” being penalized and encourage each country to negotiate a deal before the August 1 deadline.
These proposed tariffs are not yet law, but reflect the direction of policy.
Audit country-of-origin status: Products assembled in one country but containing parts from another may now be flagged.
Build buffer timelines: Goods entering the U.S. after August 1 will be subject to the new rules.
Expect fast changes: The situation is politically driven, unpredictable and largely being communicated outside official channels.
The 90-day pause on country-specific tariffs announced by the White House applies to all countries except China. This means tariffs could take effect for others as early as July 9, 2025, under the national emergency declaration.
On June 16, the U.S. Commerce Department announced it will expand existing steel tariffs to cover additional “derivative” products for example fridges, freezers, washers, dishwashers and stoves.
While not directly targeting travel goods, this expansion signals broader enforcement of Section 232 tariffs across consumer goods categories - a trend that could eventually encompass any imported product with steel components.
Implication for sourcing teams: If your goods contain steel parts (e.g., frames, telescoping handles, fixtures) or rely on suppliers tied to appliance-grade steel, your input costs may rise without notice.
As of June 4, tariffs on imported steel, aluminum, and derivative products were officially increased to 50%.
Tariffs on UK steel and aluminum remain at 25%, but this could change after July 9, depending on the U.S. - UK Economic Prosperity Deal.
Impact for manufacturers: This increase is already raising the cost of sourcing key materials like frames, hardware and fixtures. Any component made from steel or aluminum is likely to be affected in both price and availability.
On May 28, the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that tariffs imposed under the Trump-era International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) - targeting imports from Canada, Mexico and China for fentanyl and immigration concerns - exceeded the executive branch's legal authority. The ruling is under appeal, and a federal court stay means these tariffs remain in effect for now.
In a May announcement, the U.S. and China agreed to a temporary reduction in tariffs to allow more time for negotiations. Key elements include:
China’s Role Is Shrinking, But Still Major
While China is still the largest supplier, its share of U.S. imports has dropped from 84.7% in 2016 to 47.1% in 2025. But, don’t celebrate too soon—other major suppliers like Vietnam (24.8%) and Cambodia (11.2%) are now facing steep tariffs, so the whole supply chain is at risk.
Concentration of Suppliers
The top five suppliers, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, India and Indonesia, make up nearly 90% of U.S. travel goods imports. That’s a huge concentration risk. If there’s a tariff shift or disruption in any of these countries, it could wreak havoc on your supply chain.
Shipping Fees from China
As of October 2025, if you're shipping from Chinese vessels, you’ll face a surcharge of $50 per ton of cargo. This surcharge will increase each year for the next three years, making Chinese shipping more expensive and less reliable.
Container and Chassis Tariffs
95% of global containers and 87% of chassis are made in China. With new tariffs ranging from 20% to 100%, this will affect the cost structure of nearly every shipment. It’s not just about getting your goods to the U.S.; it’s about how much it costs to do so.
Short-Term Strategies
Long-Term Strategies
The 2025 tariff escalation is a game-changer. It’s driven by a combination of national security priorities, trade imbalances, and the desire to reduce dependence on foreign manufacturing.
For travel goods brands, this means higher costs, supply chain uncertainty and new challenges. But it also presents an opportunity to adapt, diversify, and become more resilient. By staying informed you can navigate these changes and continue to thrive, no matter how the trade winds blow.
Accurate as of 21st May, we will be making running updates as the story develops.
Data and tariff details referenced from CNN, Understanding the 2025 Tariff Developments, May 1, 2025; South China Morning Post; Deutsche Bank; Travel Goods Association; USTR notices.